‘Incubator’ Set to Develop Social Entrepreneurs

The School for Social Entrepreneurs has joined with specialist finance company BT to launch a new program to support Australia's emerging social entrepreneurs.

Called the SSE & BT Social Entrepreneur Incubator the annual learning program is available for up to 25 students, who have an idea for a start-up venture to benefit the community.

BT says it will provide financial support to the Incubator as well as business expertise and mentoring from employees to students on the program.

BT Financial Group chief executive Brad Cooper said: "We are very excited to provide support directly to entrepreneurs – to prepare them to launch social initiatives that deliver positive social change. It aligns perfectly with our vision to help people prepare for their best financial future.”

“The Incubator program will prepare our students for the best start to their entrepreneurial journey by tapping into the business expertise of BT as well as giving them the confidence and networks to make a real difference in their communities,” School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia Chief Executive Celia Hodson said.

Previous School for Social Entrepreneurs students have included Jamie Moore, the creator of Hello Sunday Morning, which tackles binge drinking culture in young people, and Michael Combs, founder of Career Trackers which works with private sector companies and Indigenous university students to create career pathways through internship programs across Australia.

Applications open on April 7 for interested students and mentors. Application information can be found at www.sse.org.au