A high impact incubation program for social entrepreneurs who want to validate their startup idea and create a solid foundation to launch.
See what the Bootcamp has to offer you!
By graduation day you will have:
- a strong pitch deck and foundation for your business plan
- readiness and confidence to launch your social enterprise
- exposure to investors and funders
- connections with like-minded social enterprise practitioners
- … and so much more!
Applications for Bootcamp 2024 are now CLOSED. If you’re interested in being part of the next Bootcamp, click on the button below to receive information once the details are out.
Current Participants
Welcome to the following entrepreneurs who are participating in 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
We are excited to share program and project updates after pitch day on September 12.
Program Sponsors
The 2024 Social Enterprise Bootcamp is made possible thanks to funding support from:
Program Overview
Overview
SEB 2024 will take place from May to October 2024, and uses a high engagement, blended learning model that incorporates individual and group-based work in both in-person and online formats.
Who Should Attend
The Bootcamp is designed for up to 12 change-makers, like you, who are in the early stage of starting their social purpose business or social enterprising activity:
- Charitable and non-profit practitioners who wish to start a business activity to generate earned income for the organization,
- Individuals who want to start a business with social impact in mind,
- Professionals who want to create a side hustle social start-up,
- For-profit entrepreneurs who wish to shift their business model toward social impact.
You will walk away from the Bootcamp with:
What You Will Get
- a solid business plan, including minimum viable product(s) developed,
- readiness and confidence to launch your social enterprise or social purpose venture
- exposure to impact investors and funders, and
- many connections with a like-minded community of social entrepreneurs.
The top three pitches at Demo Day will:
- share a $2,000 prize, and
- receive 20 hours of CSED consulting services after the bootcamp to support the next stage of your venture.
Questions?
Curious about the bootcamp and have questions? Contact Hai Doan at hai@csedottawa.ca!
Program Details
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, please complete the online application form using the button below. CSED will review your application and may schedule a quick interview if we need to clarify any of the information provided.
Applications for the 2024 Bootcamp are closed.
Click on the button to receive information about next year’s SE bootcamp program once details are out.
Your Investment
The SE Bootcamp’s normal price is $999 +HST, but thanks to funding support from the City of Ottawa and CSED, the participant fee is only $349 +HST. This is a savings of $650!
If the program cost is an obstacle to participation, please get in touch so that we can explore options together
Feedback from 2023 participants
“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”
Mohamud Hassan – EmpowerRise Solution – Bootcamp 2023’s participant
” 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”
Dr. Sylvie Plante – Bootcamp 2023’s participant
“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!”
Natalka Mackay – Under The Surface – Bootcamp 2023’s participant