Social Entrepreneurship

George has just bought a 3D printer and seriously considers starting a social enterprise, the main product/service of which should be developed by a 3D printer. What should his first step be?

• Checking online for inspiration

• Asking everybody he knows for ideas

• Asking himself what social/environmental values are the closest to his heart

Answer explanation

The first step before setting up an enterprise in general is to think about what you are passionate for, and of course what social/environmental values match your beliefs, ideas and emotions.

George has now a clear idea for his social enterprise using his 3D printer. He is now about to research everything he has to know before starting his social business. What should George not forget when researching his social issue?

• Target groups and all beneficiaries

• Finances

• How to fit in the 3D printer as an asset to accomplish his idea based on feedback from the target group

Answer explanation

You should always pay enough attention to the target groups and all beneficiaries: the direct target groups of your project, the human and financial consequences, the characteristics of your beneficiaries and how many people are involved.

George wants to get a global viewpoint on his social enterprise based on 3D printing. He starts with the Positioning Statement of his business. What should George always keep in mind?

• How he aims to write his business plan

• How he is contributing to a social cause differently than others

• What costs are involved with his business

Answer explanation

You should always remember what creating a social value means to you, what value it is exactly and how you can contribute to a social cause differently than others.

What can George do in order to have a deeper understanding of the legal structures in his country in terms of having a social enterprise?

• Google everything

• Contact a business support organisation

• Read books about it

Answer explanation

When it comes to legal structures, basic information is important, but try to go even further by contacting support organisations that could help you with your business.

George wants to make a business plan for his 3D printing start-up. He already knows the mission of his company, yet he does not know what the vision should be. What is important for George to consider?

• How much money there is

• Where does George want his company to go?

• What does the company do?

Answer explanation

To devise a clear business plan it has to be as close to your wishes as it can be and it is important to keep in mind where you want your company to go.

George has concluded that he needs funding. What should be clear to him before he can look for funds?

• The costs of his company.

• The influence of the market on the price of his product.

• The market

Answer explanation

With the costs in mind, it is possible to identify how much funding you need for your company.

George has found a mentor for his start-up. What would his next step be?

• Get another mentor involved as well

• Discuss with his mentor whether he needs employees, what for, etc.

• Ask the mentor whether this mentor can take over some of his work

Answer explanation

With advice easily available, you may consider if you need more people in your company. The mentor can help you understand  what for and why you need employees.

 

What other skills besides technical or academic skills are important to focus on when hiring employees?

• Soft skills

• Entrepreneurial skills

• Creative skills

Answer explanation

When you decide that you need to hire an employee, there are several factors to consider. It is important to not only focus on academic or technical skills but also on soft skills.

George is trying to expand his company. While he is doing that, he notices that a culture is not yet there. What should George consider in order to make a suitable company culture?

• To define his company values and make sure that they are clear for everyone

• His mission

• The goals

Answer explanation

The culture of your company helps to establish core values of the company. These values represent what the company does and how it reaches its goals.

George has chosen several countries in which his idea might work. What else does he need to consider?

• Are the cultures the same in these countries?

• Does his company culture fit in these countries?

• Is his idea new?

Answer explanation

After preparing a list of countries to expand your business to, it is important to consider cultural issues. For example, do people in these countries speak the same language, do they have different working ethics, and can your company culture adjust to fit into theirs?