News
Applications open for Jugaad programme
February 2023
Apply now for the 'Jugaad' programme, a pioneering collaborative platform bringing young leaders and corporate partners from Malaysia and Singapore together to create a new model of social innovation.
New Sustainable Leadership Development Programmes set to amplify impact of changemakers across the North East of England
February 2023
The programmes will be delivered alongside delivery partners in the region and will focus on amplifying existing community-led impact. This has been made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
New Jugaad programme to boost youth engagement in corporate decision making across Asia
November 2022
The Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), Social Ventures Hong Kong (SVHK), Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) and Bridge Institute have partnered to help enhance youth voice in corporate decision-making in Singapore and Malaysia.
Our Scotland Programme Showcase is Now Live!
November 2022
Explore how social entrepreneurs are turning their learning into action across Scotland in our showcase.
Our journey towards Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: the past 18 months
October 2022
Read the most recent update on how we are working to achieve Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity at the Academy.
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs: A handbook for Changemakers!
October 2022
Our article series with Pioneers Post and Emerald Works is now available as a downloadable book for changemakers.
Australian students take to world stage at Social Enterprise Youth Forum
September 2022
Young social entrepreneurs from the North East ran two inspiring sessions at the Social Enterprise Youth Forum in Brisbane.
Social Enterprise Connect events link up social entrepreneurs in South Africa
August 2022
Social Enterprise Connect (SEC) is an exciting new Community of Practice (COP) for social entrepreneurs in South Africa. It seeks to build a strong social enterprise ecosystem, by creating platforms for sharing and learning through peer engagement.
SEA Egypt awarded for programme delivery
July 2022
The SEA Egypt team have been recognised and awarded by Ain Shams University’s Innovation Hub (iHub).
Richmond Pupils Impress at Social Enterprise Dragons’ Den Competition
July 2022
Year 6 pupils impress board at Dragons' Den event in London, as part of Social Enterprise Schools.
How can philanthropy adopt a human-first approach to achieve the SDGs?
July 2022
Jakira Khanam (Regional Director, Asia), for Alliance Magazine
Are Young People the Key to Unlocking Asia’s Creative Economy?
June 2022
Jakira Khanam (Regional Director, Asia), for the AVPN blog.
Social Enterprise Schools Awards 2022!
June 2022
Hear from the teachers, young people and organisations that attended our special 15th anniversary SEA Awards and get a glimpse of the marketplace and ceremony.
SEA & AVPN partner to boost youth social entrepreneurship across Asia
June 2022
The 2022 AVPN Global Conference is taking place this week in Bali, Indonesia (21 – 24 June 2022). As an Impact Partner at this year’s conference, the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) is delivering a session on how countries across Asia can grow youth social entrepreneurship.
Social Enterprise Schools England is back!
June 2022
Social Enterprise Schools has returned to England with our first pupil workshop and education facilitator training session!
We are joining the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship!
May 2022
We're incredibly proud to be joining the World Economic Forum's Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship! Together we commit to supporting social entrepreneurs and building the social innovation ecosystems needed to help realise a fair, inclusive and sustainable world where no one is left behind.
The next generation shaping a better world
May 2022
The Big Issue Schools Special 2022 partly focuses on the global connection we are building, bringing young social entrepreneurs from around the world closer together through online 'Global Meet-ups'.
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs 7: Emotional Intelligence
May 2022
Want to manage relationships better, stay calm in a crisis and inspire others? Enter emotional intelligence – a key leadership skill and one that's vital for social entrepreneurs.
Cornwall to North Wales, London to Jersey – Schools Special gets UK-wide coverage!
May 2022
The release of the 4th Schools Special edition of The Big Issue magazine has received UK-wide coverage in 91 media outlets & features in large papers such as The Independent & The Scotsman.
The Big Issue: Schools Special 2022 released
May 2022
We have partnered with The Big Issue for the 4th Schools Special edition of the magazine - focusing on how young people from Scotland and across our global network are running social enterprises that solve issues that matter to them.
Thank you to the Scottish Government, Kibble, Link Group Ltd., Project Trust, Social Enterprise Scotland & FirstPort for supporting this year's Schools issue.
Social Enterprise Schools Australia attracts media attention
March 2022
A magazine feature on the successes of Social Enterprise Schools in Australia and the achievements of the young people taking part. Published in North East Living Magazine.
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs 6: Empathy
March 2022
Empathy helps us to resolve conflicts, create more productive teams, and improve our relationships with co-workers, clients and customers. It's also an essential survival skill for social entrepreneurs: find out how to develop your empathetic side as a leader.
Listening to rural social entrepreneurs in a new study
February 2022
A 6-month EU funded ‘bridging’ project will investigate the needs of rural and remote social entrepreneurs in Sweden, Norway, the Highlands & Islands of Scotland and the Irish Gaeltacht.
Creating the next generation of global changemakers
January 2022
Equipping young people with the skills and mind-sets needed to become job creators not only job seekers, is an essential component of Scotland’s economic recovery...
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs 5: Critical Thinking
January 2022
It’s a highly valued asset in the workplace – and it’s one of seven skills every social entrepreneur needs in order to survive. Read on for expert guidance on developing the mindset and skills to become a critical thinker, making you a better leader, too.
How can effective leadership help tackle the climate emergency?
November 2021
A week on from COP26, SEA Facilitator and social entrepreneur, Rachael Millson, reflects on the role leadership plays in the climate change crisis and the steps we can all take as leaders to become more interconnected and practice compassion in action.
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs 4: Self-management
November 2021
Self-management helps you become the best “you”: hone this crucial skill and you'll earn trust, stay focused on your goals and look after yourself, too. Discover what self-management actually means and how you can develop it.
New Partnership to Boost Opportunities for Refugees
September 2021
The Social Enterprise Academy and the Scottish Refugee Council have launched a series of six leadership and social entrepreneurship programmes to support up to 84 refugees across Scotland. These fully-funded programmes will help participants become leaders within their communities.
Development Programme to Champion Changemakers in ASEAN States
August 2021
The ASEAN Social Enterprises Development Programme (SEDP) is an Accelerator programme which aims to help the ASEAN youth in the region to drive positive changes within the community.
Irish and Gaelic Speakers Collaborate on Cultural Tourism Programme
August 2021
This is a development programme for Irish and Scottish Gaelic Speakers with an interest in Cultural tourism for their areas.
New Support for Youth-led Social Enterprises in ASEAN Member States
August 2021
British Council, AVPN and the Social Enterprise Academy have launched a new capacity building programme to support social enterprises in the ASEAN region.
Coaching Programme to Empower Third Sector Leaders in Northern Ireland
August 2021
This programme supports leaders to build their coaching approach so they can help to develop talent and create an empowering environment within third sector organisations across Northern Ireland.
University Partnership Sparks Social Enterprise Ideas in South Korea
August 2021
This programme supports South Korean Students to explore social enterprise models both locally and internationally, as well as encouraging them to think about what social issue they might like to address. The programme is a collaboration between Kickstart Asia in South Korea, and the Social Enterprise Academy.
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs 3: Creativity
June 2021
Creativity leads to success – and it is a process that you can practise and develop. Explore our expert guide to creativity for social entrepreneurs – featuring six key strategies and an exercise to download.
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs 2: Adaptability
May 2021
When things change suddenly, do you lean towards 'escape coping' or 'control coping'? Are you an adapter or an innovator? Explore ways to develop your adaptability – and set appropriate boundaries – as a social entrepreneur.
How the British Council is investing in the next generation of changemakers
30 April 2021
As a supporter of this year's The Big Issue: Schools Special, the British Council is investing in the next generation of changemakers through its Social Enterprise in Schools programme.
Compassionate, creative and resilient: young people’s pandemic response
26 April 2021
A special Social Enteprise Schools edition of The Big Issue has been created to mark the return of the magazine’s vendors across Scotland for the first time after lockdown.
New climate change programme launches for young people in Malaysia & Scotland
19 April 2021
British Council and the Social Enterprise Academy are looking for young people in Malaysia and Scotland aged 18-35 to take part in a new programme tackling climate change.
Survival Skills for Social Entrepreneurs 1: Resilience
31 March 2021
Failure, setbacks and disappointment are certainties in life. What matters, what makes the difference, is how we deal with them. Musa Aamir, co-founder of Rizq and Impact Link Pakistan Fellow, shares how he cultivates resilience
How a 'no regrets' skillset can arm social entrepreneurs for an uncertain future
31 March 2021
Half the world’s employees will need to be reskilled by 2025. This 7-part series with Pioneers Post and Emerald Works aims to support social entrepreneurs around the world to build a ‘no-regrets’ skillset.
Climate change grants for UK-Malaysia partnerships
21 February 2021
Three UK-Malaysia climate change projects have received support from British Council.The “Visioning the Future & StoryTelling for Climate Change” project aims to help Malaysian and Scottish youth sharpen their storytelling skills to activate their plans and goals for climate change.
Coronavirus leads to surge in social enterprises in North Wales
18 February 2021
Wrexham has experienced a surge in social enterprise start-ups during the Coronavirus pandemic. More and more people have re-evaluated their futures and taken the decision to launch a business with social objectives and values.
Food Lover's on the lookout for social enterprises to join supplier network
3 February 2021
Food Lover's Market has launched its Seeds Of Change Supplier Development Partnership alongside the Social Enterprise Academy to create opportunities for social enterprises to join the fresh produce retailer's network as a supplier.
‘Social Business Start-Up School’ to support innovative community development in Sweden
10 January 2021
Coompanion and the Social Enterprise Academy have partnered on a new programme supporting Swedish entrepreneurs at the forefront of innovative community development.
Applications open for social enterprise capacity building programme in Southeast Asia
15 December 2020
British Council, AVPN and the Social Enterprise Academy have launched a new capacity building programme to support social enterprises navigating Covid-19 in Southeast Asia.
How can social enterprise and inclusive business help build a better future for us all?
5 December 2020
British Council, Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) and the Social Enterprise Academy have designed a new learning programme to explore the role that social enterprise and inclusive business can play in building a better future for all.
School students push through 2020 to launch 80 social enterprises
26 November 2020
More than 520 primary and secondary students across Australia developed new enterprises during 2020 to raise money for environmental, social and cultural issues they care about.
Social innovation network sparks knowledge exchange between universities in East Asia and the UK
25 November 2020
SILKEN (Social Innovation Linkages for Knowledge Exchange Network) aims to develop a long term, sustainable social innovation network of knowledge exchange between universities in the UK and East Asia.
Inclusive Islands: Embracing diversity in training social entrepreneurs
19 November 2020
This story is about Scotland, Indonesia, and island cultures. It is also about promoting creative social entrepreneurs and the enterprises they create in a project supported by British Council's Developing Inclusive and Creative Economies (DICE) programme.
New enterprise support programme to help 60 UK heritage organisations
20 October 2020
A new Social Enterprise Academy initiative funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund will offer 60 UK heritage organisations support with strategic leadership and income-generating skills as a way to safeguard their futures.
2020 Scotland: Pakistan Impact Link Fellows Announced!
11 September 2020
10 youth-led social enterprises in Pakistan have won a grant to scale their innovative solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Impact Link: Social Enterprise Challenge 2020.
New Community of Practice for social impact organisations in South Africa
19 August 2020
Social Enterprise Connect is a partnership between Social Enterprise Academy South Africa and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) aimed at recognising, sharing and amplifying the work of social entrepreneurs.
Impact Link: Social Enterprise Challenge launches in Pakistan
27 July 2020
The “Impact Link: Social Enterprise Challenge 2020” will support young social entrepreneurs creating innovative solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pupils win Dragons' Den competition with social enterprise ideas
4 July 2020
An online Dragon’s Den-style competition has seen £100 go to two local schools. The competition was run by the Social Enterprise Academy as part of their Community Champions Challenge in response to Covid-19.
Initiative to foster rural tourism launches
3 July 2020
A programme to help community development organisations and social enterprises support the sustainable recovery of rural Scotland’s tourism sector has been launched by partners; Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and the Social Enterprise Academy.
Cardiff Met and SEA Wales join forces during lockdown
3 July 2020
The first online learning programme on social leadership for higher education students in Wales was delivered this month, thanks to a new partnership between Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise Academy Wales.
2020: Time for structural change and racial equity
23 June 2020
As leaders, we have a responsibility to engage in honest dialogue about how to dismantle structural racism and address issues of discrimination and inequality within our own organisations and beyond.
Local schools among winners in virtual Social Enterprise Awards
22 June 2020
The 13th annual Social Enterprise in Education Awards took place virtually through Google Classrooms, with Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney sending a video message of congratulations to pupils.
SEA & Emerald Works partner to support social change leaders
28 May 2020
This partnership will give Social Enterprise Academy learners free access to Emerald Work's award-winning Mind Tools toolkit, helping them to put learning into practice and develop the key skills needed to thrive in a post-COVID world.
SEA featured as one of top 100 social enterprises in UK
14 May 2020
We're excited to announce that the Social Enterprise Academy is featured as one of the top 100 social enterprises in UK in the NatWest SE100 2020 alongside our SEA Wales Hub Partner, Creating Enterprise! You can read the full list of social enterprises in this year's list below.
Young social entrepreneurs take over The Big Issue
16 March 2020
This week's Schools's Special magazine profiles the amazing innovative social business ideas being pioneered by young social entrepreneurs in the UK and overseas.
New Support for Egyptian Social Enterprise Launches
13 February 2020
Last week the first Social Enterprise Academy hub in the MENA region launched at an event at the American University in Cairo. SEA Egypt is operated locally by eSeven for Educational Services LLC.
South Korea and Scotland share social enterprise experiences
23 January 2020
This week 10 delegates specially-selected by the Korean Ministry of Education travelled to Edinburgh for a 3-day ‘Understanding Social Enterprise’ programme, strengthening social enterprise links between Scotland and South Korea.
Turning the lens on more social enterprises around the world
14 January 2020
What does the day-to-day work of a social enterprise look like around the world? Our photo feature brings you right to the front lines, thanks to beautiful, compelling images submitted by our readers in Pakistan, Australia and the UK.
‘Dragon’s Den’ comes to Royal Greenwich Schools
6 December 2019
Ten groups of entrepreneurs from local schools have been put through their paces in the 'Dragons' Den' competition as part of the Social Enterprise Schools programme, supported in London by First Step Trust and sponsored by SAP.
Celebrating Social Enterprise Day 2019
21 November 2019
#WhoKnew that we've worked with over 200 partners to support social enterprise and impact ecosystems around the world? See how our hub teams celebrated Social Enterprise Day 2019.
SEA Wales launched by Lee Waters AM at event in Mochdre
19 November 2019
Social Enterprise Academy Wales has officially been launched by Deputy Minister for Economy & Transport, Lee Waters AM. Get in touch with our teams in North & South Wales to find out how they can support you and your organsiation.
Levi Roots inspires young people’s entrepreneurial spirit
8 November 2019
Brixton’s most famous entrepreneur Levi Roots made a return to the Dragons' Den with more than fifty Lambeth pupils pitcheng for social enterprise funding as part of Social Enterprise Schools, supported by First Step Trust and sponsored by SAP.
Social enterprise in Africa: The supporters
22 October 2019
As eyes turn to Ethiopia for this year’s Social Enterprise World Forum, Pioneers Post look at what’s happening across the wider continent. Meet some of those helping social enterprises to flourish across Africa.
Chain Reaction: “Boldly pursuing a career of courage”
10 October 2019
SEA Zambia Hub Manager, Likumbi Kapihya, is interviewed by Sabrina Chakori, founder of the Brisbane Tool Library, as part of Pioneers Post's 'Chain Reaction' series ahead of SEWF 2019.
Building impactful India-Scotland connections
27 September 2019
Ahead of the launch of this year's Scotland: India Impact Link, SEA Senior Partnerships Officer, Jess Kemp, spoke to India Inc about how the programme is building resilience amongst India's changemakers and strengthening India-Scotland relationships.
New leadership development programme for social entrepreneurs launches in Newcastle
12 September 2019
‘Investing in Leadership: Leading Change, Building Impact’ launched today at Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. The programme is a partnership between Big Issue Invest and the Social Enterprise Academy.
Celebrating International Youth Day 2019: Transforming Education
12 August 2019
This International Youth Day, young people in Australia, Scotland and Malawi are taking action and starting social enterprises to tackle the social issues that matter to them.
First African Social Enterprise Schools pilot takes place in Malawi
12 July 2019
Meet some of the young people in Blantyre who took part in the first Social Enterprise in Education pilot in Malawi, supported by the Scottish Government.
Likumbi Kapihya selected for Obama Leaders: Africa 2019
10 July 2019
A huge congratulations to SEA Zambia Hub Manager, Likumbi Kapihya, on being selected as one of 200 emerging leaders from across Africa to take part in the Obama African Leaders programme.
Celebrating China: Scotland social enterprise connections
3 July 2019
Scotland’s Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Ivan McKee MSP, visited the Chao Yang District in Beijing to meet Scotland: China Impact Link Fellows and discuss the development of China’s social enterprise ecosystem.
Inclusive Islands: #bcDICE bootcamp starts in Indonesia
1 July 2019
This week, 20 participants gathered in Jakarta to take part in the 'Inclusive Islands' Bootcamp, which is part of British Council's DICE programme. See highlights from the week as the 5-day programme unfolded
Scottish pupils receive national social enterprise award from Deputy First Minister
19 June 2019
Forty schools from Central Scotland received a Social Enterprise in Education Award from Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP to recognise the success and sustainability of their social enterprises.
Big Issue Invest partners with the Social Enterprise Academy
19 June 2019
Through the partnership, 16 Big Issue Invest Investees will take part in a leadership development programme, ‘Investing in Leadership: Leading Change, Building Impact’, in the North East of England.
2019 Impact Link mentors announced for China, India & Pakistan
4 June 2019
As part of the Impact Link package of support, 5 fellows from Pakistan, India and China have opportunities to develop and connect with peers in Scotland, to enable their social enterprises to become more sustainable.
Creating Enterprise brings the Social Enterprise Academy to Wales
16 May 2019
Creating Enterprise in partnership with the Wales Co-operative Centre are bringing the Social Enterprise Academy to Wales. Their first programme ‘Developing My Leadership’ will be running in collaboration with Cartrefi Conwy in May 2019.
British Council DICE: Grants link global collaborators to boost economic equality
9 May 2019
As one of the UK collaborators, Social Enterprise Academy will be partnering with Platform Usaha Sosial (PLUS) for 'Inclusive Islands' - which will unite experiences from the islands of Indonesia and Scotland.
Frontier Incubators: 'Teams' masterclass series now available online
8 May 2019
Frontier Incubators is supporting over 30 incubators and accelerators in the Asia-Pacific region - building theit capabilities through partnerships with global leaders in the field. Masterclass tools from the programme are now available online,
Scotland: China Impact Link delivers Enterprising Leadership programme in Beijing
16 April 2019
As part of the Impact Link package of support, fellows and finalists took part in a Social Enterprise Academy programme in Beijing. 'Enterprising Leadership' explores ways to lead in a more innovative and enterprising way.
Inclusive Islands applications open for social entrepreneurs in Indonesia
4 April 2019
Part of British Council's DICE programme, Inclusive Islands is looking for 20 ‘Impact Initiators’ from Medan, Padang, Pontianak, Makassar and Jayapura as future pioneers of change in their respective regions.
First fellows announced for Scotland: Pakistan Impact Link
25 March 2019
The first round of Scotland: Pakistan Impact Link received applications from impressive growing social entrepreneurs from across Pakistan, each contributing to increased positive social change. Meet the five sucessful fellows below.
Opportunity open for creative social entrepreneurs in South Africa
18 February 2019
The British Council in partnership with Seed Academy and the Social Enterprise Academy are recruiting 120 creative social entrepreneurs in Cape Town and Johannesburg to take part in a fully-funded, high impact business accelerator programme.
Supporting young people in Australia's indigenous communities
15 February 2019
Students, teachers and staff of the Yuendumu community in the Northern Territory welcomed ACRE CEO Matt Pfahlert and Program Manager Pete Sacco into their community this month and embraced new thinking around social enterprise opportunities.
New Canada-Scotland partnership to support social enterprise announced by First Minister
9 February 2019
An international agreement to grow and sustain social enterprises in Scotland and Canada has been announced by Scotland's FIrst Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, on a visit to Toronto.
Round 2 of Scotland: India Impact Link launched by Deputy First Minister
9 November 2018
Scotland's Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, met the12 finalists who will join the 5 fellows receiving mentoring from Scottish social enterprises and gaining access to the Social Enterprise Academy India leadership programme.
Social Enterprise Schools: Young people in Australia celebrate success at awards day
5 November 2018
Over 150 budding entrepreneurs attended the Community Marketplace & Awards Day at the Old Beechworth Gaol - providing an opportunity for schools participating in the programme to showcase their enterprise skills.
We call it ubale – partnership that is helping young Malawians into work
24 September 2018
Executive Director of Jubilee Enterprise and Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Academy Malawi, Karen Chinkwita Kumakanga, shares how Malawi and Scotland are collaborating for good ahead of the 2018 Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh.
Aussie social enterprise takes part in world-first social enterprise agreement
13 September 2018
A world-first social license has been signed in Scotland between the Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) ahead of the 2018 Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh.
BongoHive launches Social Enterprise Academy in Zambia
20 August 2018
Zambian incubator BongoHive has announced a partnership with the Social Enterprise Academy that will see the innovation and entrepreneurship hub operating the social franchise of the Academy’s world class learning and development programmes.
Designing holistically to create positive social impact
6 August 2018
Tse Yasmin, Managing Director of NeoOne Associates and Manager of the Social Enterprise Academy, Malaysia, discusses human-centred design, story practice and accelerated learning in Asia ahead of the 2018 Social Enterprise World Forum.
MaGIC launches startup programme for early-stage social enterprises in Malaysia
16 May 2018
The six-week programme will focus on employment for the marginalised community, equality and empowerment, pollution and waste management, income/productivity growth, and community development
Meet the Scotland:India Impact Link fellows and finalists
31 May 2018
The first round of Scotland:India Impact Link received applications from many impressive growing social entrepreneurs from across India, each working hard to achieve positive social change. Meet the 2018 fellows and finalists below.
Is social enterprise the new face of business in Africa?
1 March 2018
Rachael Millson, African Partnerships Director at the Social Enteprise Academy, shares how social enterpreneurs in South Africa are using business principles to tackle major issues in our world, such as poverty, marginalization and climate change.
Pakistani universities launch social enterprise centres
1 February 2018
The British Council pilot programme, delivered in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, aims to develop the capacity of student social entrepreneurs and create an enabling environment for student-led social enterprise start-ups to take off.
Scotland and India collaborate on social enterprise
2 December 2017
Scotland's Deputy First Minister, John Swinney formally launched Social Enterprise Academy India in Mumbai.
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