We’re thrilled to be in Nashville for Social Enterprise Alliance Summit ’14. Today’s schedule included lots of great intensives, workshops and tours, and we enjoyed connecting with others in the lobby area, where we have a booth representing DePaul Industries and PurposeSTAFF.
Here are a few highlights of Monday’s schedule:
The State of Equity Crowdfunding for Social Enterprises
Chance Barnett, Crowdfunder
Crowdfunding originated around 2005, but the crowdfunding of today has expanded from its original donation focus to include equity capital from friends and family, angel capital, venture capital and institutional investors. This estimated $300 billion market offers an opportunity for some for-profit social enterprises.
Welcome to Summit 14!
Kevin Lynch, Social Enterprise Alliance, and Karl F. Dean, Nashville Mayor
SEA President & CEO Kevin Lynch kicked off the Summit programming with a great plenary session that featured Nashville Mayor Karl F. Dean, who highlighted some of Nashville’s thriving social enterprises (a few of which are being toured as part of the Summit programming!).
Building an Economy on Love
Becca Stevens, Thistle Farms, and Tolulope Ilesanmi, Zenith Cleaners
The theme of Summit ’14 is “Connecting for Purpose,” but while purpose is important, so is another factor: love. Becca Stevens told the story of Thistle Farms, a social enterprise that runs a bath and body products line and cafe that are run by women who have survived prostitution, trafficking, addiction and homelessness. Stevens emphasized that love and economics aren’t mutually exclusive – a social enterprise can be financially viable while also using love and compassion as guiding principles. Ilesanmi spoke about his cleaning service, Zenith Cleaners, and how its definition of cleaning extends beyond just cleaning dirt from surfaces, but also to cleaning internally and organizationally.
Social Enterprise Marketplace
We enjoyed browsing booths from nearly 50 Nashville social enterprises, from Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to Nisolo to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville – Restores. We learned more about Tennessee’s diverse social enterprises, shopped and tasted some delicious samples.
It was a great first full day of the Summit, and we’re looking forward to so much more tomorrow and Wednesday, including two sessions featuring our President & CEO, Dave Shaffer!
Continue following Summit ’14 on social media with the hashtag #SEASummit14.
