Social Enterprise Bootcamp

The Social Enterprise Bootcamp is a high-impact incubation program designed for social entrepreneurs eager to validate their startup ideas and build a solid foundation to launch.

By graduation, you will have:

• A strong pitch deck and core elements of your business plan 
• Confidence and readiness to launch your social enterprise
• Exposure to potential investors and funders
• Connections with a community of like-minded practitioners

Note: Applications for the 2025 Bootcamp are now open and being accepted until April 30.

Program Details

The Bootcamp runs from May 15 to September 11, 2025 and includes a blended learning model with both in-person and online formats.

The top three pitches will also receive post-bootcamp coaching from September to November 2025.

Who Should Attend

This Bootcamp is designed for up to 12 change-makers in the early stages of starting their social purpose business or social enterprise activity, including:

• Charitable and non-profit practitioners starting a business activity to generate earned income for the organization,
• Individuals starting a business with social impact
• Professionals creating side-hustle social startups
• For-profit entrepreneurs shifting their model toward social impact

What You Will Gain

Participants will leave with:

• Core elements of your business plan and developed minimum viable product(s)
• Confidence and readiness to launch their social enterprise or social purpose venture
• Connections with a community of like-minded social entrepreneurs
• Exposure to impact investors and funders

The top three pitches at Demo Day will share a cash prize of $2000 and receive 20 hours of CSED consulting services post-Bootcamp.

Program Components

The SE Bootcamp will accelerate your entrepreneurial journey through a comprehensive set of activities and supports:

• 9 Interactive Workshops:
  • Inspiration—motivation and mindset; typical impact business models (May)
  • Ideation—your impact and business models; validation and iteration (May-June)
  • Implementation—marketing and sales; financial management and social finance; social impact measurement; pitching and proposals (July-August)
• Demo Day: Pitch your business plan to investors and funders (Sept)
• 3 Mentoring Sessions: Engage with and receive guidance from experienced business leaders 
• Coaching Support: Wrap-around coaching support with CSED staff
• Community: Get plugged into a local network of 120+ social entrepreneurs
• Investment Opportunity: Connect with impact investors through CSED and other sources.

The in-person kickoff is scheduled for mid-May, followed by both virtual and in-person workshops. A detailed schedule will be provided once you are admitted to the program.

How to Apply

To apply, complete the online application form using the button below. Applications will be reviewed, and a quick interview may be scheduled for clarification.

Your Investment

The SE Bootcamp’s regular price is $1000+HST, but thanks to funding support from CSED and the City of Ottawa, the participant fee is only $349+HST.

If the program cost is an obstacle to participation, please get in touch so that we can explore options together.

Program sponsors

The Social Enterprise Bootcamp is made possible thanks to funding support from:

Feedback from past participants

• Charmian Romano, Cohort 2024
  “The knowledge, insights, and practical strategies you shared have given me a much clearer direction on setting up [my business] and have been truly inspiring. Your dedication to helping social entrepreneurs thrive was evident throughout the course…”
  
• Mohamud Hassan – EmpowerRise Solution, Cohort 2023
  “The SE Bootcamp opened my eyes and gave me lots of ideas of how I can start my social business, EmpowerRise Solution. Now I am ready to start selling our sambusas.”
  
• Dr. Sylvie Plante, Cohort 2023
  “This is world-class training. I worked in the training field long enough to know which is good and which is excellent. I appreciate how practical your workshops are.”
  
• Natalka Mackay – Under The Surface, Cohort 2023
  “CSED’s SE Bootcamp validated my non-profit organization as a social enterprise; mentorship and strategies towards the pitch deck were great. I had a great time and met supportive people who are also doing great things in the community. CSED is a great resource, and I will continue with networking events and workshops as I grow Under the Surface as a social enterprise! Thanks to you all!”

Watch the video below to get an overview of the Social Enterprise Bootcamp and see how it can help you launch your social business.

Questions?

For inquiries about the Bootcamp, contact Hai Doan at hai@csedottawa.ca.

Join the free information session on April 17 at 1 PM. Register now here!

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SE Bootcamp Graduates

Thank you for participating.

Exciting program and project updates will follow after the pitch day on September 11. Apply now to have an opportunity to be on the graduate list of the 2025 SE Bootcamp!