Ooni’s Post

🤝 We have recently joined the “Charter for #Inclusive #Entrepreneurship”. The Charter for #inclusive #entrepreneurship aims to facilitate a more inclusive enterprise ecosystem in the UK. It has been developed by Nottingham University Business School's Dr Lorna Treanor and Helen Burkinshaw, Policy Officer for The Women's Organisation✊ 👥 This is a great programme to be a part of as the Charter aims to minimise barriers and enhance outcomes from entrepreneurship for all, focusing on under-represented groups. This will be done by designing and delivering specific policy initiatives, inclusive practises, and collective endeavours. 📲 Learn more about the charter here: https://bit.ly/493fmuL #InclusiveEntrepreneurship #Charter #Diversity #Enterprise

The first question women-owned businesses are often asked is, "Are you a non-profit?" This reveals an underlying bias that assumes women-owned enterprises are either charitable ventures or don't have operational costs similar to businesses led by men. When we undervalue the contributions of women entrepreneurs, we're not only perpetuating gender disparities but also stifling economic growth. Recognizing women's value in the business landscape can catalyze economic development and bring us closer to a more equitable business ecosystem. #WomenOwnedBusinesses #EconomicGrowth #GenderEquity #FairCompensation

𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦: 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 Women’s leadership has been a driving force behind Kazakhstan’s economic and societal progress for many years, stated Aidan Suleimenova, President of the Ayala Charitable Foundation, during the annual Women in Business forum held in Almaty on Feb. 20, according to the forum’s press service. Read More: https://bityl.co/OL4V #businessforum #womenleadership #BusinessLeadership #WomenLeaders #news #NewsUpdate #businessnews

"The current ecosystem seldom facilitates effective collaboration between social entrepreneurs and potential partners. This remains one of the biggest challenges for the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Improving this collaboration is a central objective of the Catalyst 2030 community." "The Catalyst Awards are a means of celebrating key supporters on our journey towards achieving the SDGs through bottom-up collaborations. By shining a light on the donors/stakeholders who support social innovation and entrepreneurship, we hope to redefine best practices and inspire others to follow their example. This will help to accelerate systems change while challenging current power dynamics." #charity #diversity #inclusion #equality #equity #London #collaboration #systemsforchange #powerdynamics https://lnkd.in/e8hFndHm

What a great article Rechelle Balanzat ! You are one of the most tenacious and joyful entrepreneurs I have the pleasure of knowing and always get excited by each step you take with Juliette. Thank you for contributing your voice to this discussion on inequities in investment. #MWBE #VCFunding #investors #DEI #business #nonprofit #accesstocapital

Embarking on philanthropic ventures as an entrepreneur is more than just an act of generosity; it’s a profound commitment to societal betterment and sustainable impact. Research shows that companies engaging in philanthropic activities witness a 13% increase in productivity and up to a 20% enhancement in employee engagement . These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect the power of giving back and the ripple effect it creates within organizations. At Three Sixty, we’ve experienced this firsthand. Our collaboration with local artisans goes beyond business; it’s a heartfelt mission to uplift communities. Last year, we launched a training program for underprivileged women in rural areas, equipping them with leather craftsmanship skills. This initiative didn’t just empower the women; it enriched our brand with unique, heartfelt stories woven into each product. A memorable moment was when Anita, a participant, shared her journey from being a homemaker to becoming a skilled artisan. Her pride and joy were palpable, and it reminded us of why we started this journey. Her story is now part of our brand narrative, resonating with customers who value products with a purpose. Moreover, a study by the CECP found that 86% of global consumers expect companies to act on social and environmental issues. This expectation is a clarion call for entrepreneurs to integrate philanthropy into their core business strategies. The rewards extend beyond financial gains; they encompass a loyal customer base, a motivated workforce, and a positive societal impact. Philanthropy is not just an add-on; it’s a core business strategy that fosters loyalty, builds communities, and creates lasting impact. As entrepreneurs, we must champion causes close to our hearts and drive meaningful change. Together, we can create a legacy that transcends profits and leaves an indelible mark on society. #Entrepreneurship #Philanthropy #Impact #Community #SustainableBusiness #MadeInIndia #ThreeSixty

Raising funds was hands down the toughest part of my entrepreneurship journey. Can you believe some folks said my idea was more of a charity than a business just because it helps disabled people? How wrong they were. I’d also have to spend my precious pitch time explaining a whole glossary of disability terminology, rather than focusing on my idea. And as luck would have it, all the investors I managed to hook got cold feet when the pandemic hit. It was a real blow, but I get why they bailed, nobody knew what was going on at that time. Getting investment as a disabled entrepreneur is a real challenge, and those who've managed to navigate it successfully are gatekeepers in my view. They won’t facilitate introductions or help! The scarcity of opportunities really plays into that, given how few there are. It's a tough mindset to shake. But you know what's bothering me? There are these folks out there trying to take advantage of disabled entrepreneurs, acting like they're lending a hand when they're really just taking up space and being exploitative. And let's not even get started on the lack of opportunities specifically designed for disabled entrepreneurs. It's a real concern in this arena. Entrepreneurship is already tough, but being a disabled entrepreneur takes the challenges to a whole new level, mainly because of how people perceive us and our productivity. https://lnkd.in/dWqinCwV #Entrepeneurship #DisabledEntrepreneur

One of our successful strategies for supporting women- owned growth businesses is PARO Centre For Women's Enterprise Cluster Innovation Tables (CITs) - it is where we and other business and community leaders learn what women need. Thanks for participating all!! #proudPAROwomen

This must change.

“I want to leave the world a bit better and if it’s just my street corner, that’s all right. I think Rebel Nell is moving the needle however, the true impact is on the generation that’s not born yet.” – Amy Peterson, co-owner of Rebel Nell and The Congregation Detroit Making an impact on sustainability in Detroit can look many different ways, and for Peterson, it has many different layers. Over nearly a decade, Rebel Nell has dedicated 117,000 workforce development hours, greatly improved the financial status of its employees, and donated $100,000 to community partners. This initiative, focusing on hiring women from shelters, highlights the power of social entrepreneurship in creating positive change. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3H1p5pm #rebelnell #thecongregation #sustainability #sustainablebusiness #detroitbusiness #detroitbusinessowner #impact #change #positivechange #socialentrepreneurship #entrepreneurship #womenempoweringwomen #womenpower #womenowned #workforcedevelopment #development #detroit #detroitcommunity #detroitneighborhoods #detroitisit