Social Enterprise Network

Social enterprise is a hot topic. However, it's not new, and many nonprofits are already successfully implementing this earned income strategy.

To support Minnesota's social entrepreneurs, Nonprofits Assistance Fund and MAP for Nonprofits have launched the Social Enterprise Network.

A Peer Group to Strengthen & Support Social entrepreneurs

The Social Enterprise Network is designed for nonprofit organizational leaders who are current practitioners in social enterprise. The conversations will focus on sharpening the management of existing social enterprises and building organizational cultures to support those enterprises. Participants will exchange tools and knowledge that will help each other advance their social enterprises.

What Is It?

The Social Enterprise Network is a peer group to strengthen and support social entrepreneurs.  It meets monthly on the second Thursday from 12:00-1:30pm.  

The goals of the Social Enterprise Network are to help Minnesota social enterprise practitioners:

  • Expand their knowledge
  • Scale up their activities
  • Develop a network of peers

Each month the group will meet to discuss a specific topic at a different local social enterprise. The host will share information about their nonprofit social enterprise and help lead the peer discussion. Learn more about the upcoming networks.

Just bring your lunch, your business cards, and your experience as a social entrepreneur.

Upcoming Events

Topic: Business for Social Enterprise
Date: July 9th
Location: WomenVenture
RSVP

Topic: Collaborations
Date: August 13th
Host: Greater Twin Cities United Way
Location: MCN Conference Room
RSVP

When: Second Thursday of each month, 12:00-1:30pm. The network runs from noon - 1:00 pm, but we invite participants to stay and continue networking until 1:30. 

These meetings are free and open to any nonprofit social entrepreneurs. Please RSVP with Nonprofits Assistance Fund.

The Social Enterprise Network is jointly hosted by Nonprofits Assistance Fund and MAP for Nonprofits

Network Archive

Read notes from previous discussions.

Get LinkedIn

We have created a LinkedIn Group for participants in the Social Enterprise Network. Use this tool to take our network to the next step - pose questions, share resources, and reinforce connections with other nonprofit social entrepreneurs.

Interested in Learning More? 


Engaged Philanthropy Conference

Calling all Social Entrepreneurs!

The second annual Engaged Philanthropy Conference takes place on Thursday June 18th.  The conference, sponsored by Social Venture Partners, is designed for "anyone interested in having a personal impact on social change in Minnesota and in meeting like-minded people."  The event features a keynote address by business and social entrepreneur Don Budinger and relevant breakout sessions. The Social Entrepreneur’s Cup, division of the Minnesota Cup, will also be awarded during the day.  Our own Kate Barr is one of the judges for this exciting competition that celebrates Minnesota's most innovative nonprofit social entrepreneurs.  

Introduction to Social Enterprise

The Social Enterprise Network is a peer network, designed to provide practical tools for operating a social enterprise.  For an introduction to social enterprise, there are many useful resources, publications, and training:

Resources for nonprofit Social Entrepreneurs

Examples of Nonprofit Social Enterprises in Minnesota