MOUNT PEARL, NL - Metro Business Opportunities Corporation (MBO), in partnership with College of the North Atlantic (CNA), is excited to announce “Business Students for Social Goals” – a collaborative initiative that introduces the concept of Social Enterprise to future business leaders in the province.
Business Students for Social Goals partners more than 70 students working with 10 local non-profit social enterprises as part of the Strategic Management course curriculum for CNA’s Business Management program. The students will work closely with entrepreneurs to develop a promotional and strategic plan.
Non-profit organizations will benefit greatly from a partnership between College of the North Atlantic and Metro Business Opportunities and the Strategic Management course curriculum for CNA’s Business Management program. Pictured are: Ken Hopkins - School Lunch Association; Sarah Mills - Stella's Circle; Barry Green – CNA Business Management Instructor; Darlene Scott - Community Sector Council NL; Jon Rossiter - Habitat for Humanity; Amy Tulk - Home Again Furniture; and, Normal Alford - Community Sector Council NL.
Bernadette Coady, Social Enterprise Co-ordinator at Metro Business Opportunities, will facilitate the 12-week student project. She will introduce the concept of social enterprise to students, giving them a glimpse into how business practices and engaging in commerce can help not-for-profit organizations support their mandate.
During the middle of November, CNA students will have a Social Enterprise Day to raise awareness of social enterprise and for the enterprises to sell their products or services or how to support their clientele.
Business students learn social enterprise techniques
“Business Students for Social Goals should raise awareness of Social Enterprise as a proven revenue model for non-profit organizations. It allows these enterprises to get support with not only promotion of their business, but also provides them with a strategic plan that they may not be able to have otherwise. In addition, it provides students real business exposure, enabling them to be stronger future leaders. This is invaluable experience for a resume and beneficial for the community.”
Bernadette Coady, Social Enterprise Coordinator,
Metro Business Opportunities Corporation
“CNA is excited to partner with Metro Business Opportunities, and move toward enhancing our students’ experiences inside and beyond the classroom. The college, through its School of Business and Information Technology, embraces community partnerships that enable students to connect with local organizations and apply the skills they have learned to real-life scenarios. In this case, they are learning how they can play a vital role in the development of social enterprise and community growth.”
Stephen Warren, Dean
CNA School of Business & Information Technology
Participating Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Choices for Youth
Thegreenrock.ca ~ Live Sustainably NL Inc.
Stella’s Circle
School Lunch Association
Bridges to Hope
Home Again Furniture
First Light
Habitat for Humanity
SPAN
Community Sector Council NL
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Media contacts:
Bernadette Coady
Social Enterprise Co-ordinator
Metro Business Opportunities
709-738-1626
bcoady@mboc.ca
Michelle Barry
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7721
Michelle.barry@cna.nl.ca
About Metro Business Opportunities
Metro Business Opportunities (MBO) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development of Business and Social Enterprise in St. John's and Mount Pearl. Through business advisory, lending, and training offerings, MBO's knowledgeable team helps potential and existing entrepreneurs of all ages with idea generation, business start-up, and successful growth.
About College of the North Atlantic
College of the North Atlantic is one of the largest public post-secondary educational and skilled training institutions in Atlantic Canada, with a history dating back more than 55 years. It has 17 campus locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and offers an online Distributed Learning Service. Students can choose from more than 100 advanced diploma, diploma, certificate and continuing education programs. In addition, CNA serves apprentices by providing block training, which enables them to advance through their apprenticeship programs and prepares them to write their journeyperson (Red Seal) certification examination. Areas of study include the schools of Academics, Applied Arts and Tourism; Business and Information Technology; Engineering Technology and Industrial Trades; and, Health Sciences, with additional programming in the field of Natural Resources. CNA’s international development projects and education partnerships currently span several regions: China; South America; South East Asia, and CNA-Qatar. CNA also partners with six universities in China where over 340 students are enrolled in CNA programs. CNA is a lead partner with the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Kenya Education for Employment Project (KEFEP), and the Global Affairs Canada Vietnam Skills for Employment Project (VSEP).
About Social Enterprise:
There are various models for not-for-profit funding: government, grants, fundraising, membership fees, etc. By offering goods and services for commercial sale through a Social Enterprise, a not-for-profit generates revenue that it can reinvest into achieving its core mandate. This innovative funding model can provide financial independence for an organization, and bring a more entrepreneurial approach to operations – helping the organization remain relevant, maximize efficiency, and achieve their goals.
Support – Community Growth Opportunities Through Social Enterprise:
The Support Program: Launched in 2017, Support fosters Social Enterprise development by registered not-for profit organizations in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. Offered by Metro Business Opportunities (MBO), through funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Support provides up to $50,000 in financing to start or expand a Social Enterprise. The program includes essential business advice and learning opportunities, allowing organizations to develop the necessary skills for successful management of a Social Enterprise.