We’ve hosted our Connect & Share events across the country, forging connections between social entrepreneurs and facilitating peer-learning. Below, you can find advice paid forward by our Award Winners.

To connect social entrepreneurs further than just the region they live in, we asked those attending events to ‘Pay It Forward’ by sharing their best piece of advice. We know being a founder of a social enterprise can be isolating, so we hope the advice below is a reminder that you are all brilliant and to not give up.

We continue hosting Connect & Share events across the country. See our Eventbrite for all upcoming events.

Feel free to share within your own networks.

2024

• The power of the mind is truly unbelievable when one focuses on what they desire.
• It’s not where you come from, it’s where you are going what counts.
• Keep pursuing your dream as it will be worth it in the end. The hard work and commitment will pay off eventually.
• Seek out and surround yourself with uplifting, motivating people who will keep you on track when things get tough.
• Persistence beats resistance.
• Just when you feel like giving up, DON’T! You’re almost there.
• Try and take every opportunity you are offered and when someone offers to help you, say yes! Don’t just be polite and say ‘No, it’s okay’
• Speak to other social entrepreneurs in your local area who are a few steps ahead of you; they will not only be honest and pragmatic about ways forward and things to avoid, but they will also back you with encouragement and support. This is invaluable as you start out and as you find your way in the months to come!

2023

• Don’t overthink, just take action. Make mistakes and learn. Have a plan but know it will evolve continuously. Be pragmatic.
• It’s a journey! Visualise your success and your impact and plan small realistic steps to get there. Celebrate the small wins along the way (so important!) and be kind to yourself. Once you’ve ‘made it’ look back and help others that need it.
• Don’t sit alone.
• You don’t need to have all of your ducks in a row to be able to make a start. Perfection is impossible to achieve. Start as small as you need to to give yourself a chance to build.
• Surround yourself with fun, happy, positively-charged people. Everyone starting a business needs a Tom, Dick and a Harriet. You can’t do this on your own – ask for help. Don’t lose your passion!
• You can do far more than you imagine. You have the capacity to learn skills and knowledge you would never have believed in the past.
• Network as much as possible! Take advantage of opportunities to work in partnership and learn from each other!
• You’re amazing! You are talented! Keep going and keep trying! Don’t let anyone hold you back and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can achieve anything you put your mind to.
• Your network is your net worth!
• Be true to yourself and follow your dreams. Always remember why you started this journey. Your values and enthusiasm matter.
• Intentional networking – collaboration is the key to funding.
• Get out of your comfort zone – ask for help, there is always support out there! Remember why you started in the first place.
• Gather evidence and build consultation.
• Be crazy enough to start and stubborn enough to finish.
• Don’t measure your journey as an entrepreneur against anyone else’s. Your ideas, story and passion are unique and so will your progress be.
• Acknowledge the power of word of mouth and leverage your network.
• Keep going – there will be good days and bad days, but don’t ever give up. Believe in yourself and why you started in the first place. The bad days will be bad, and the good days will be good. If all else fails – stick the kettle on and have some biscuits.
• Find your allies and build your partnerships and projects together. Find ways to show the long-term financial cost and benefit of your work and present impact where you can. Keep pushing – there is always a way to make change and always people who will want to support what you do.
• Start with something small and go from there! It doesn’t have to work first time!
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. Reach out to other organisations in your field. Your community needs what you do! You can do it!
• Be confident, believe in yourself and have a positive attitude. We all started small, but we all grow – you can do it!
• Ensure you have checked the need with the community you wish to serve
• Harvest gratitude for what you have – not what you haven’t got.
• Remember to take time for yourself.
• Invest in yourself – mental, health and brain.
• Test trade – explore the market/need/demand for your product and service for a significant time before you incorporate.
• Be very clear on what difference it is you are trying to make and what is unique about how you do it.