A purpose statement and a plan to listen to the people affected.
Start with the problem, not the project
A good idea begins with a real problem. Before deciding to open a centre, launch an app or create a campaign, describe what people are struggling with. Who is affected? Where and when does the problem occur? What does it prevent people from doing? Separate what you have observed from what you have assumed. A project is one possible response; your purpose is the change it should help create.
Listen before designing
Speak with people who experience the problem directly, including those whose voices are easily missed. Ask what they have already tried, what helps, what gets in the way and what they would change. Do not promise services you cannot deliver. Explain why you are asking questions, seek permission to take notes and avoid collecting names or personal details you do not need. Look for repeated patterns while keeping different experiences visible.
What is social entrepreneurship?
Social entrepreneurship combines a social purpose with a practical way to sustain the work. An organisation might earn income, receive grants or combine several sources. Income supports the mission; it does not replace it. Ask three questions: what change are we working towards, what activities can create that change, and how will we resource those activities over time? A strong answer connects all three.
Choose a manageable starting point
You do not need to solve the entire problem in your first programme. Choose one group, one place and one change you can test. For example, an initiative helping women start businesses might first test a small mentoring group rather than build a national marketplace. State your assumptions and decide what evidence would make you change your approach. Starting small should help you learn, rather than simply make the same plan cheaper.
Your working notes
- What problem have I observed, and what am I still assuming?
- Whose experience must inform this work? List three listening questions.
- Complete: We work with ___ to address ___ through ___, so that ___.
- What small activity could test whether our idea is useful?
Saving is optional and uses this browser only. Download your notes to keep a separate copy.
Before you move on
Can you explain the problem without naming your proposed solution?