SENCO—A Case Study
Creating a Social Enterprise Ecosystem in Central Ontario
Overview
The Social Enterprise Network of Central Ontario (SENCO) is housed at Georgian College’s Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation (CCSI). CCSI successfully led the college through the process of achieving the international Ashoka's Changemaker Campus designation, becoming the first Canadian College to achieve this prestigious designation. SENCO is a signature program that supports the Askoka Changemaker Campus Action Plan at Georgian College.
SENCO Inspires.
SENCO inspires, connects and equips those looking to engage in social enterprise to face cultural, environmental and social challenges in Central Ontario.
SENCO Connects.
SENCO works with social enterprises, budding social entrepreneurs, organizations, intermediaries and community leaders to support innovative economic approaches to strengthen communities.
SENCO Supports.
SENCO provides a bridge to new knowledge, resources and supporting business practices to achieve financial growth and sustainability through social enterprise.
Central Ontario Map
Problem
Georgian College’s “Ashoka Action Plan” included a commitment to supporting social enterprise development across Central Ontario to address social, economic and environmental challenges across the region in alignment with both the meaningful collaboration and inspired innovation strategic pillars.
I joined the team at Georgian in 2017 to re-envision, relaunch and develop SENCO into a leading program housed at the Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation.
Roles
Elly Green -> 2017 to 2021, Program Coordinator / Program Manager / Consultant, Advisor and Facilitator
Jenna Stevenato -> 2019 to 2022, Program Coordinator
Audience
SENCO program offerings were created with two key audiences in mind. A Theory of Change was created which illustrates a pathway of the outcomes for each group that leads to community based social and economic development through social enterprise.
Supporting Community Members
This group includes a mix of stakeholders supporting economic development and entrepreneurship across the region (for example: SBECs, CFDCs, Municipalities, Economic Development Officers, Nonprofit and For Profit Community Champions, and leading Social Enterprises).
Individuals and Organizations Developing a Social Enterprise
This group includes individuals and organizations looking to develop a new or existing social enterprise. (for example: individual entrepreneurs, start-ups, existing nonprofits or charities).
Georgian Students, Faculty and Staff
All aspects of SENCO’s program are also available for staff, faculty and students to connect across Georgian’s seven campuses.
Strategy
SENCO came to life following the creation of a strategy and theory of change that began in 2017 and was refined early 2018. Funding was secured to support design and implementation of various programs supporting all audiences. Each program and activity was designed to fulfill a development stage from the theory of change (aware/inspired, engaged/equipped, invested/sustainable).
SENCO Theory of Change
I reimagined this program, secured funding for development, and then scaled its impact to exceed our expectations and targets within year two.
Process → Outcome
Critical development steps are listed below in the process and impact table.
Established Strategy and Leadership →
Secured coaching through Innoweave to create a strategy and theory of change to guide development. Sought out sector leaders, both local and provincial experts, to create an advisory committee for SENCO.
Secured Funding →
Secured over a million dollars in funding to support program development and flow through funding to social enterprises through various funders. Including $400k in funding to accelerate 22 regional social enterprises.
Led Creative Direction →
Led the brand creation of SENCO along with supporting the development and launch of a new website and marketing tool kit to support program roll out.
Initiated Partnerships →
Established seven regional Social Enterprise Sector Development Group(SESDGs), a total 63 regional partnerships exceeding the partnership goal by 180% by our second year.
In these groups 82% of those already involved say they’ve made new connections and formed partnerships due to their involvement, 72% report a better understanding of social enterprise, different business models and supports, and 91% are committed to further investing in social enterprise.
Established key provincial and national partnerships bringing leading resources and funding (Innoweave, SEI and Common Good Solutions, Buy Social Canada, Innoweave, Community Foundation Grey Bruce and more).
I established 63 strong and authentic regional partnerships, exceeding our partnership goal by 180%.
Team Development →
Developed a small team of contract staff. Provided support and guidance to build knowledge and skill sets, and bridged professional connections within the sector.
Managed Program Delivery →
Led 22 Social Enterprise introductory 101 style sessions, building awareness in social enterprise for 513 people, and held 36 screenings of the “Social Shift” documentary inspiring over 1200 people in social enterprises.
Engaged over 1200 students over one year across Georgian’s seven campuses, introducing the concept of social enterprise.
Produced a series of 8 videos to showcase regional social enterprises in Central Ontario with Mirror Image Media and an audio documentary available for listening on Apple podcast and Spotify with Accounts and Records.
Engaged partners in collaboration to co-host 7 regional events that engaged over 350 people and involved various place based leading business owners on discussion panels.
I managed sessions and events throughout Central Ontario inspiring over 1200 people in social enterprise.
Designed and managed an annual regional gathering events with national and provincial speakers June 2019, over 200 people attended.
Worked in partnership with the Manager at the Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation and the social enterprise mentor at the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre on the design and delivery of 9 workshops for social enterprise development built on the foundation of the business model canvas created by the Flourishing Institute.
Designed and implemented SENCO’s Traction Grant funding program that provided seed funding across Central Ontario, a total of $27k was distributed for the first round. Facilitated adjudication process with regional partners and their pursuit to raise an additional $5000 of funding.
Press
SENCO has been featured on several occasions both internally at Georgian College along with in the region and beyond, see links below: