Balancing the Mission Checkbook

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of helping to launch the Social Enterprise Network for nonprofit social entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities. Initiated by Nonprofits Assistance Fund and MAP for Nonprofits, this new monthly peer gathering attracted 40 people who braved the brutal cold to attend a lunchtime discussion hosted by Jim Thalhuber at Goodwill/Easter Seals. We couldn’t have had a better start for the network. The group represented a broad range of nonprofits – social service, arts, youth development, employment services, and educations – and types of enterprises including manufacturing, a bakery, thrift stores, consulting, and various services. Most of the nonprofits are already operating an enterprise and are eager to share their experiences about building their venture, as well as learn from their peers.

The best part about the event was the positive, upbeat tone of the ideas, questions, and discussion. I’ve been to a lot of pretty downbeat meetings lately that have focused on reductions, cutbacks, and shortfalls. While the social entrepreneurs at the network all recognize the difficult economic realities that we all face, there was an energy that I really needed to renew.

Adding to the positive momentum of the Social Enterprise Network is the possibility of a real commitment from the new administration to nurture innovations for the common good. Featured in President-elect Obama’s Blueprint for Change are a number of ideas to expand service and innovations, including a Social Investment Fund and Social Entrepreneurship Agency for Nonprofits. Government is an important player in the nonprofit sector, as contractor, funder, and policymaker, and a new, more innovative approach could help lead to real change for some big challenges. A recent blog post from Public Innovators describes this rich opportunity.

A final gift at the Social Enterprise Network was hearing Kevin Lynch, President of Rebuild Resources in Saint Paul, that he and Julius Walls, Jr. of Greyston Bakery, just authored Mission, Inc., The Practitioners Guide to Social Enterprise, which was just released and is available for sale online.

Thanks to everyone who came to the first network lunch – I needed the boost of energy and optimism. I can’t wait for the next meeting in February.

Update:

Photos from the event are available on our facebook page.