20 November 2009
by Chrisanthi Giotis
From ITV to a philosophy of it's not just about me - Sophie Mei, belly dancer turned social entrepreneur
One hundred of the most promising young social entrepreneurs were honoured at a London event on Social Enterprise Day.
The Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs Award, which is organised by enterprise support organisation Striding Out, celebrates young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 who 'demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and innovation in progressing a responsible business venture'.
The winners include Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Sophie Mei Lan Slack, who has made use of her belly dancing talent by developing a social enterprise focusing on self-esteem, culture and health, and Dan Lewer, founder of Carbon Retirement, a 'carbon offsetting business that doesn't believe in carbon offsetting'.
Lewer said: 'Carbon offsetting is like paying the RSPCA so you can kick your dog.'
Striding Out will provide the Future 100 winners with opportunities to network, raise their profile through media and PR training, and gain mentoring support.
One of last year's Future 100 was Claire Watt-Smith, founder of BoBelle, which makes fair trade eel-skin bags and wallets.
Speaking at the event last night she said the award lead to a major breakthrough in her business. Striding Out helped her gain an introduction to people from high street fashion chain Top Shop and the products are now stocked in 60 stores.
'Once you start telling people about the award, doors will open for you,' she said.
No comments:
Post a Comment