Social Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

The Social Entrepreneurship 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 or social purpose business
• Exposure to potential investors and funders
• Connections with a community of like-minded practitioners

Note: Applications for the 2026 Bootcamp aren’t open yet, but fill out the interest form and we’ll be sure to contact you as soon as details are available.

Program Details

The Bootcamp typically takes place over 3-4 months and culminates in a pitch event. Instruction is via a a blended learning model with both in-person and online formats.

The top three pitches will also receive post-bootcamp coaching.

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 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 (month 1)
  • Ideation—your impact and business models; validation and iteration (month 1-2)
  • Implementation—marketing and sales; financial management and social finance; social impact measurement; pitching and proposals (month 3-4)
• Demo Day: Pitch your business plan to investors and funders (month 4)
• 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 (to be confirmed), followed by both virtual and in-person workshops. A detailed schedule will be provided once you are admitted to the program.

How to Apply

Fill the interest form to be notified when the application window opens for the next cohort

Your Investment

The Bootcamp’s regular price is $1000 +HST, but the participant fee is usually less thanks to funding from our sponsors.

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

2025 Program sponsors

The Social Enterprise Bootcamp was made possible in 2025 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.

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SE Bootcamp Graduates

Thank you for participating.

Program details for 2026 will be released in the coming months. Fill out the interest form to be the first to know!