A presentation to the 2012 Social Innovation conference held in Perth, December 2012. This presentation summarises the key parts of our model, our social impact and how we've created so much with so little through innovation and collaboration.
We are a growing community of social entrepreneurs.We work as, with, in and for our members who are leading with a sense of purpose ahead of profit.Pollinators Inc is a member-based social enterprise creating cultural, physical, economic and social spaces that enable the success of social entrepreneurs and their ventures in regional WA. These 'social entrepreneurs' (people who put purpose before profit, service before self) often feel isolated from each other, learning opportunities, social networks, and are often geographically isolated. Isolation can reduce the confidence, commitment, competency, and creativity of the leaders on whom our communities’ present and future prosperity depend.
We started with some Questions— What could make the difference to this region’s future?— Who could make a difference to this region?— How can we support those that will make a difference?— What do those people and their ventures need to succeed?
We did Comprehensive research and engagement into learning needs, markets, and opportunities for sustainable success, all completed before we began,
People at workshops, in cafes and in surveys all suggested ideas, and the model has evolved from those ideas
The model now includes:Pollinators Inc addresses isolation and creates conditions and a community to increase the likelihood of success through services including:CityHive — coworking and innovation space,Swarm — training, workshops, networking and professional development events,Catalyst — 4-month learning program for social entrepreneurs,Buzz — regular newsletter, social media and online community,Laneways — pop-up and short-term spaces for art and services in the CBD,
Impact map:— Goal is to enable fulfilment of our community’s asppirationsOutcomes are:— Confident, competent Leaders— Community and government plans delivered,— Diversified, resilient economy,— Increased social impact of ventures
CityHive is a social enterprise coworking and innovation space. We’ve run a pilot since September 2011, providing workspace, meeting space, events and a community for a range of tenants and members.People pay for the time they use, with all the benefits of a full-service office included.Operated by a mix of volunteers and paid staff, the space also generates a small profit to be re-invested in our learning programs.
Biweekly newsletter featuring members, events, that brings together news that was previously unknown, hidden or selectively shared
Swarm, quarterly events
We’ve sought investment from partners and others to expand our coworking space.Income from this space and our tenants and members will generate revenue that helps fund our learning programs.