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 a comprehensive 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 Bootcamp 2024 are now closed. Click below to receive information about the next Bootcamp.
Program Details
The Bootcamp typically runs from May to September and includes a blended learning model with both in-person and online formats.
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:
- A solid 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
Top three pitches at Demo Day will share a cash prize 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 kick off is scheduled for mid-May, then 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.
Note: Applications for the Bootcamp are currently closed. Click below to add your name to the waiting list and we’ll contact you as soon as program details are available.
Your Investment
The SE Bootcamp’s normal price is $999 +HST, but thanks to funding support from CSED and our partners, the participant fee is usually much less.
If the program cost is an obstacle to participation, please get in touch so that we can explore options together.
Feedback from participants
- Charmian Romano, 2024 Bootcamp participant
“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
“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
“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
“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!”
Questions?
For inquiries about the Bootcamp, contact Hai Doan at hai@csedottawa.ca.
2024 Program sponsors
The 2024 Social Enterprise Bootcamp is made possible thanks to funding support from:
Current participants
We welcome the following entrepreneurs to the 2024 Bootcamp:
- Ana Guerra, Sustainable Wardrobe Action Plan (S.W.A.P)
- Charmian Romano, Launchpad Kitchens
- Cheryl Netterfield, POMMe – Health
- Dominique Breton, Soundscapes with Dom
- Kieran Wilkins, In Your Nature
- Melissa Sinfield, Roots of Serenity
- Noé Ligot, Caldwell Kitchen
- Rebecca Chambers, R.I.S.E. Academy
- Simon English, Soybean Aeroponic
- Trecia Campbell-Ash, Caldwell Clothing Depot
Exciting program and project updates will follow after pitch day on September 12.
