Our key takeaways from the Social Enterprise World Forum 2023
23 Oct 2023
- Impact
After an exciting and informative two days at the Social Enterprise World Forum 2023 in Amsterdam the team at Social Investment Scotland take time to reflect on their key takeaways.
What is the Social Enterprise World Forum?
The Social Enterprise World Forum is an important annual event within the social enterprise ecosystem with options to join online or in-person. It brings together over 2000 social enterprise leaders, policymakers, and individuals who are passionate about doing good in the world.
The goal is to raise awareness of social enterprise as a growing global mechanism for social change.
Image: A panel discussion on 'Unlocking Social Investment' at SEWF23
(l-r) Lorraine Cocoran (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland), Idriss Nor (DOEN Foundation), Kenneth Kwok (Global Citizen Capital) & Gael Drummond (Firstport)
When did the Social Enterprise World Forum start?
The first Social Enterprise World Forum took place in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2008. It was a ground-breaking event that brought together over 400 delegates from 29 countries. This initiative provided a platform for social enterprise leaders from around the world to network and exchange ideas.
The success of the first SEWF led to the establishment of a steering group, which recognised the potential of the forum to promote social enterprise internationally.
Image: The SEWF23 featured a central Social Enterprise Marketplace where delegates could meet with impact-led organisations from across the Netherlands and further afield.
Where was the Social Enterprise World Forum in 2023?
Each year, the event is held a different location around the world to be able to feature experts from local, national, and international communities.
In 2023, the SEWF was held in Amsterdam and a team from Social Investment Scotland joined the two-day event to learn from and connect with other impact-led organisations. The team was joined by Jimmy Wilson CEO FARE Scotland, Jane Devine CEO Four Square, Sophy Green CEO Instant Neighbour and Celia Hodson CEO Hey Girls.
The SIS teams key takeaways from SEWF23
It was a packed programme with a high calibre line-up of social enterprise leaders and policy makers from across the world. Below you can read key takeaways from the team and how this will help SIS achieve its mission: to build an impact economy in Scotland.
Chris Jamieson - Head of Investments
"SEWF was a very environmental focused conference, with lots of circular ideas that challenge the way we currently do things.
It was a also a reminder that funding can be daunting, and funders need to make themselves easy to understand and VERY approachable. The best enterprises know their community VERY well, such as the customers and service users' needs - but also who does not use them (and why)."
Annie Howie - Investment Manager
"One key takeaway for me is that we are all in this together. The SEWF was a reminder that we have come a long way in a short time in terms of sustainability.
Even small changes can make a difference in re-addressing the balance between people and planet and social enterprises are already well placed to take a key role in this."
Kieran Daly - Head of Market Building
"It was clear from attending two sessions on social procurement and commercial contracts under the #BuySocial global campaign, that while social enterprises have made significant headway with entering the retail space, there is a massively untapped opportunity in the supply of products and services in the commercial contract space.
I also enjoyed attending the impromptu LGBT+ breakout event hosted by Scottish based enterprises who are currently on the SIS Ambitions programme. Around 30-40 people attended, representing our global LGBT+ social enterprise community."
Felicity Neyme - Digital Communications
"The SEWF was a great opportunity to connect with other social enterprise marketers. One key takeaway for me is that social enterprises often focus solely on communicating their social purpose in their marketing because they are so passionate about their mission but competition is tough.
So, by using plain language and focusing on how their products or services meet users' needs, social enterprises can connect with a wider audience and achieve greater impact."
The Social Enterprise World Forum is a powerful opportunity to foster global networks and develop the skills needed to thrive in the social enterprise sector. SIS was delighted to be a part of SEWF23 and we look forward to seeing you at SEWF 2024!