Latest news with #socialentrepreneurship
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Rethinking Leadership Development For The Social Sector
Executive Director, Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University, accelerating hope for a world without poverty. Being a leader of an organization propelling social and environmental change means engaging in difficult, often isolating work. Problems such as poverty, systemic racism, public health inequities and climate justice are entrenched, volatile and complex. They involve tangled stakeholder networks, ever-evolving constraints, labyrinthine funding journeys and the constant balancing act between mission impact and organizational sustainability. These thorny issues generally lack clear, straightforward technical solutions. Instead, they require adaptive problem-solving skills. Where can leaders of nonprofits, social enterprises and other impact-first organizations turn for answers and help? We're finding that one of the best sources is each other. Why Peer-To-Peer Networks Work Impact leaders face challenges that don't exist in traditional businesses, where so many experts and consultants have gained their experience. Too often, outside consultants, speaker-driven conferences and rigid, pre-packaged training programs fail to address the reality of impact-first organizations. Peer settings offer a welcome alternative, making room for more candor and less posturing. Fellow leaders can provide advice and examples grounded in lived experience, not generic theory. Individuals are more likely to share what didn't work, the pivots they made and the emotional realities behind their decisions with others in similar situations. Within the space of peer networks, leaders can solve problems collaboratively. They can test ideas, get feedback and work through possible solutions together rather than struggling in isolation to find answers. For nonprofits and social enterprises working in rural or isolated areas, or in regions lacking a strong support infrastructure, access to experts of any kind can be limited or nonexistent. Leaders might participate in accelerator or incubator programs at the outset of their ventures, but finding sustained support and training can be difficult. Community lies at the heart of every successful peer network. As the Stanford Social Innovation Review has said, 'What distinguishes peer-driven change ... is that it emphasizes people's mutuality, where peers share information, connections, and funding to achieve their goals.' Building community is crucial for creating the mutual support and trust that allow peers to truly listen to and learn from one another. A Peer Network In Action I had the privilege of witnessing a powerful example of peer-driven change last March at our organization's inaugural Entrepreneur Summit in Nairobi. The summit brought together a group of distinguished entrepreneurs from 15 countries around the world who are building successful, impactful organizations. Peer-led sessions focused on leadership, scaling and navigating current funding challenges. Participants built valuable connections with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship and mission-driven impact. One of the most unexpectedly fun and powerful sessions at the summit was on 'Biggest Failings Stories.' Three seasoned social entrepreneurs, all considered success stories, each shared one of their most painful recent failures—not an early-career failure, but something that happened within the past year. Following this brave demonstration of vulnerability, they invited others in the room to share their stories and even offered a small prize for 'the most impressive failure.' At least 15 entrepreneurs stood up to describe their 'best' failures, with the 'winner' telling a harrowing story of how relying on a verbal funding agreement with a high-net-worth investor went disastrously wrong. In another peer-led session, based on the Brain Trust concept originated by Pixar, breakout group members presented a business challenge, then voted on which issue to focus on more deeply. One entrepreneur, who had been experiencing serious setbacks and was considering giving up, talked in depth about the challenge. Others in the group listened attentively, then asked questions, intended to inspire further exploration rather than offer specific advice. The entrepreneur was able to think about the problem from different angles. Her peers' perspectives helped her approach investors with renewed focus and confidence, which helped her secure funding soon after the summit. What made this event different from typical conferences for entrepreneurs? • It was co-created by and for entrepreneurs of impact-first organizations. • It focused on personal leadership, shared challenges and collective wisdom. • It used peer-led sessions and deep listening to surface insights and forge connections. Rethinking Leadership Development The Entrepreneur Summit wasn't a one-off event. It reflects a broader movement toward decentralized, leader-driven learning and action. And it points the way toward an ongoing support system—a vibrant, multifaceted community—able to drive changemaking leaders' social and environmental impact at scale. Every player in the nonprofit and social enterprise ecosystem has a role to play in making peer-driven leadership a core feature of our mutual efforts. Here are some concrete steps to consider: • Reframe leadership from the lone hero archetype to a model of community-based support. • Integrate peer coaching or reciprocal mentoring programs into existing fellowships, accelerators and incubators. • Convene regular gatherings of leaders who are working on similar issues, and include structured peer learning protocols. • Fund relationship-building as a strategy, not a side effect, by allocating funding for cohort formation, peer retreats and travel stipends that allow leaders to meet together in person. • Leverage digital platforms (secure chat groups, video calls, dashboards) alongside in-person activities to maintain consistent communication, especially for geographically dispersed organizations. Investigate the development of digital tools specifically designed for impact sector peer learning. I invite all nonprofits, impact funders and other ecosystem participants to rethink how we approach leadership development and support for leaders of impact organizations. We need to create more opportunities for those closest to the work to learn from each other—not as a nice-to-have extra or left to the whims of serendipity, but as a strategic imperative. Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only organization for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations. Do I qualify?
Entrepreneur
11-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How The NBPA and a Top African University Are Building Player Legacies Off the Court
One Court Africa hosted NBA players at UM6P in Marrakech for a four-day program focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable business, which included mentoring six African startups and awarding $160K in grants through its Innovation Challenge. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The bridge between the African continent and the NBA was first built by legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and the late Dikembe Mutombo — trailblazers who not only dominated on the court but gave back to the communities that shaped them. Today, that legacy is expanding. Earlier this summer, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) partnered with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), one of Africa's leading institutions, to launch One Court Africa — a four-day experience in Marrakech, Morocco, aimed at helping NBA players explore social entrepreneurship while supporting the next generation of African-led innovators. Held from June 16 to 20 at UM6P's Africa Business School, the program featured immersive workshops, case studies, and discussions on impact investing and sustainable business models to address pressing societal and environmental challenges. It reflects a growing desire among players to expand their global impact, honor the African diaspora, and establish a lasting legacy beyond the game. "I think it's a great opportunity to come here and learn about investing in the continent, to understand the challenges it faces, and how you can make an impact if that's something you're passionate about," says Wizards guard and One Court attendee Malcolm Brogdon. "The way the event was put together and thoughtfully curated supports that." For fellow attendee Gabe Vincent, a Nigerian-born guard for the Lakers, the initiative hits even closer to home. "I've been coming to Africa since I was 10 years old," Vincent says. "My first trip was to Ghana, and I got to see some of the poverty up close. I saw people struggle on a level we can't relate to in the United States. Ever since then, I've wanted to make an impact with whatever resources I could gain through the NBA." Related: Pro Athletes Are Slam Dunking in the Business Arena Building the blueprint One Court Africa was born out of a previous NBPA program called One Court Milan, which focused on the luxury and fashion industries. During one session, the NBPA piloted a new module centered on impact investing and sustainability. According to Chief Player Experience Officer Matteo Zuretti, it was a breakthrough. "Garrett Temple, one of our longtime vice presidents and a respected veteran, came to me and said, 'Matteo, I can't believe I'm just now being exposed to this, at 35 or 36 years old,'" Zuretti recalls. "He told me, 'I've loved the work I've done in philanthropy, and I enjoy my entrepreneurial and investment projects, but the idea of being equipped to do it through impact investing is transformational for me. I want to learn more, and we need to expose more players to this.'" That conversation became the spark that ignited the vision for One Court Africa. Recognizing the importance of having a strong partner in the region, the NBPA joined forces with Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), a private university based in Morocco. "We've been working with the NBPA to design a learning program based in Africa focused on impact investing and social entrepreneurship," says Head of UM6P U.S. Mehdi EL Khatib. "Our goal is to help players create a lasting impact that benefits both their communities and their investments. We co-designed the program from the ground up, tailoring it to how players learn and addressing their specific needs." Related: How NBA-Legend Carmelo Anthony Is Betting on Bud — and Equity Off-court competition As part of the One Court Africa experience, the NBPA and UM6P hosted an Innovation Challenge — a pitch competition designed to support African-led, growth-stage startups through mentorship, exposure, and direct investment. Six startups were selected from a pool of over 400 applicants in an open call spanning the entire continent, not just Morocco. "We knew we wanted to give grants to startups, and making it a competition was a fun way to do that," says Erika Swiley, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation. "It was also important to open it up to the entire continent, not just Morocco." After narrowing the field to 30 with help from UM6P, a panel of judges heard directly from the founders and selected the final six to travel to Marrakech. Once on campus, the startups received additional training and were paired with small groups of NBA players. In breakout sessions, players helped founders refine their pitches, while the startups equipped the players with enough insight to effectively advocate on their behalf. In the final session, each startup pitched to the full group. The players then took on a dual role, acting as both advocates and judges. They made the case for why their assigned startup stood out in terms of financial potential and social impact, then voted for two ventures: one from their group and one from outside of it. "It was like they were on a basketball court, the way they were going at each other," says Matteo Zuretti, Chief Player Experience Officer. "This format sparked a high level of active, passionate participation." To ensure that no one left empty-handed, the NBPA Foundation committed a total of $160,000 in funding. The top startup, Kodu Technology, received $50,000, followed by $40,000 to Debbo Africa, $30,000 to XChangeBOX, and $20,000 to Yellow App. The remaining two, Lima African and Novate, each received $10,000. "Since the founders were traveling all the way to Morocco, it was important that we invested in them meaningfully," Swiley says. By all accounts — from players to executives — One Court Africa not only met expectations, but it exceeded them. "It's always special to see players embrace their curiosity, whether that's traveling the world to become more informed global citizens or seeking out new experiences here in the States," says Zuretti. "But this one, in particular, felt especially fulfilling.
Entrepreneur
11-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How The NBA and a Top African University Are Building Player Legacies Off the Court
One Court Africa hosted NBA players at UM6P in Marrakech for a four-day program focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable business, which included mentoring six African startups and awarding $160K in grants through its Innovation Challenge. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The bridge between the African continent and the NBA was first built by legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and the late Dikembe Mutombo — trailblazers who not only dominated on the court but gave back to the communities that shaped them. Today, that legacy is expanding. Earlier this summer, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) partnered with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), one of Africa's leading institutions, to launch One Court Africa — a four-day experience in Marrakech, Morocco, aimed at helping NBA players explore social entrepreneurship while supporting the next generation of African-led innovators. Held from June 16 to 20 at UM6P's Africa Business School, the program featured immersive workshops, case studies, and discussions on impact investing and sustainable business models to address pressing societal and environmental challenges. It reflects a growing desire among players to expand their global impact, honor the African diaspora, and establish a lasting legacy beyond the game. "I think it's a great opportunity to come here and learn about investing in the continent, to understand the challenges it faces, and how you can make an impact if that's something you're passionate about," says Wizards guard and One Court attendee Malcolm Brogdon. "The way the event was put together and thoughtfully curated supports that." For fellow attendee Gabe Vincent, a Nigerian-born guard for the Lakers, the initiative hits even closer to home. "I've been coming to Africa since I was 10 years old," Vincent says. "My first trip was to Ghana, and I got to see some of the poverty up close. I saw people struggle on a level we can't relate to in the United States. Ever since then, I've wanted to make an impact with whatever resources I could gain through the NBA." Related: Pro Athletes Are Slam Dunking in the Business Arena Building the blueprint One Court Africa was born out of a previous NBPA program called One Court Milan, which focused on the luxury and fashion industries. During one session, the NBPA piloted a new module centered on impact investing and sustainability. According to Chief Player Experience Officer Matteo Zuretti, it was a breakthrough. "Garrett Temple, one of our longtime vice presidents and a respected veteran, came to me and said, 'Matteo, I can't believe I'm just now being exposed to this, at 35 or 36 years old,'" Zuretti recalls. "He told me, 'I've loved the work I've done in philanthropy, and I enjoy my entrepreneurial and investment projects, but the idea of being equipped to do it through impact investing is transformational for me. I want to learn more, and we need to expose more players to this.'" That conversation became the spark that ignited the vision for One Court Africa. Recognizing the importance of having a strong partner in the region, the NBAPA joined forces with Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), a private university based in Morocco. "We've been working with the NBPA to design a learning program based in Africa focused on impact investing and social entrepreneurship," says Head of UM6P U.S. Mehdi EL Khatib. "Our goal is to help players create a lasting impact that benefits both their communities and their investments. We co-designed the program from the ground up, tailoring it to how players learn and addressing their specific needs." Related: How NBA-Legend Carmelo Anthony Is Betting on Bud — and Equity Off-court competition As part of the One Court Africa experience, the NBPA and UM6P hosted an Innovation Challenge — a pitch competition designed to support African-led, growth-stage startups through mentorship, exposure, and direct investment. Six startups were selected from a pool of over 400 applicants in an open call spanning the entire continent, not just Morocco. "We knew we wanted to give grants to startups, and making it a competition was a fun way to do that," says Erika Swiley, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation. "It was also important to open it up to the entire continent, not just Morocco." After narrowing the field to 30 with help from UM6P, a panel of judges heard directly from the founders and selected the final six to travel to Marrakech. Once on campus, the startups received additional training and were paired with small groups of NBA players. In breakout sessions, players helped founders refine their pitches, while the startups equipped the players with enough insight to effectively advocate on their behalf. In the final session, each startup pitched to the full group. The players then took on a dual role, acting as both advocates and judges. They made the case for why their assigned startup stood out in terms of financial potential and social impact, then voted for two ventures: one from their group and one from outside of it. "It was like they were on a basketball court, the way they were going at each other," says Matteo Zuretti, Chief Player Experience Officer. "This format sparked a high level of active, passionate participation." To ensure that no one left empty-handed, the NBPA Foundation committed a total of $160,000 in funding. The top startup, Kodu Technology, received $50,000, followed by $40,000 to Debbo Africa, $30,000 to XChangeBOX, and $20,000 to Yellow App. The remaining two, Lima African and Novate, each received $10,000. "Since the founders were traveling all the way to Morocco, it was important that we invested in them meaningfully," Swiley says. By all accounts — from players to executives — One Court Africa not only met expectations, but it exceeded them. "It's always special to see players embrace their curiosity, whether that's traveling the world to become more informed global citizens or seeking out new experiences here in the States," says Zuretti. "But this one, in particular, felt especially fulfilling.
Al Bawaba
10-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Agility Joins LOYAC in Kicking Off the 10th Edition of KON Program
Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, marked its sponsorship of the 10th edition of the KON Social Entrepreneurship Program at a special launch event hosted by LOYAC to celebrate the program's 10-year KON program will provide 60 students aged 12 to 16 with five weeks of intensive training in business management skills. This program, designed in partnership with Babson College, an international leader in entrepreneurship education, aims to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in students and empower them to become active agents of social change. Through interactive workshops, mentoring sessions, and team-based projects, students will explore business fundamentals, address real-world social and environmental challenges, and develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills, guided by a team of experienced professionals and subject-matter Al-Foudery, Agility's Group Chief Marketing Officer said: 'Kuwait has placed a strong emphasis on developing its human capital and fostering innovation. At Agility, we're proud to support initiatives that empower Kuwait's youth and equip them for the future. The KON Social Entrepreneurship Program is a great example—it gives young people the tools and experience they need to succeed.'Agility's strategic partnership with LOYAC has extended since 2006, contributing to the preparation of 550 young people in Kuwait to enter the job market through LOYAC's specialized courses and distinguished initiatives promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The support for the 10th edition of the KON program is part of Agility's 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Program, which aims to empower 5,000+ people in Kuwait. This is achieved through Agility's partnership with leading non-profit institutions in Kuwait, continuing a collaboration that has spanned over 20 years and has positively impacted more than 51,000 individuals in Kuwait to date.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Agility joins LOYAC in kicking off the 10th edition of KON program
KUWAIT – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, marked its sponsorship of the 10th edition of the KON Social Entrepreneurship Program at a special launch event hosted by LOYAC to celebrate the program's 10-year milestone. The KON program will provide 60 students aged 12 to 16 with five weeks of intensive training in business management skills. This program, designed in partnership with Babson College, an international leader in entrepreneurship education, aims to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in students and empower them to become active agents of social change. Through interactive workshops, mentoring sessions, and team-based projects, students will explore business fundamentals, address real-world social and environmental challenges, and develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills, guided by a team of experienced professionals and subject-matter experts. Mariam Al-Foudery, Agility's Group Chief Marketing Officer said: 'Kuwait has placed a strong emphasis on developing its human capital and fostering innovation. At Agility, we're proud to support initiatives that empower Kuwait's youth and equip them for the future. The KON Social Entrepreneurship Program is a great example—it gives young people the tools and experience they need to succeed.' Agility's strategic partnership with LOYAC has extended since 2006, contributing to the preparation of 550 young people in Kuwait to enter the job market through LOYAC's specialized courses and distinguished initiatives promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The support for the 10th edition of the KON program is part of Agility's 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Program, which aims to empower 5,000+ people in Kuwait. This is achieved through Agility's partnership with leading non-profit institutions in Kuwait, continuing a collaboration that has spanned over 20 years and has positively impacted more than 51,000 individuals in Kuwait to date. About Agility Agility is a global leader in supply chain services, innovation, and infrastructure. The company is listed in Boursa Kuwait and Dubai Financial Market.
