Money, Mindset and Making a Difference

This year’s Social Enterprise Day theme encouraged social entrepreneurs to think more sustainably about their organisations. It’s a call to action for resilient founders, healthy income streams, and evidence of meaningful impact.

To delve into these critical areas, we invited inspiring social entrepreneurs from across the North East to share their insights and experiences. Here’s what happened.

You can’t pour from an empty cup!

Sharon Boyd, IMPACT North East CIC, delivered a powerful keynote address, focusing on the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by social entrepreneurs. Founders are driven by passion, but Sharon reminded us all that “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”

She highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset, emotional intelligence, and resilience to achieve sustainable success. Sharon’s session provided practical tools to support mental health and wellbeing, underscoring her key message: “While your mission matters, so do you.”

Activities that made a difference:

• Facilitated Networking: Networking isn’t always easy, but Jeni Smith from NetKno brought her expertise to create a welcoming and engaging session. Even the most reluctant networkers left with valuable new connections.
• Social Enterprise Market place: This year, we invited local social enterprises to showcase their organisations, creating a vibrant marketplace of ideas, services, and impact.
• Refreshments: The brilliant Common Room (also a social enterprise) provided the buffet with additional sweet tray bakes from Big River Bakery.
• Informal networking: Recognising the value of organic conversations, we extended the event’s duration this year to allow more time for informal networking. Sometimes, the most meaningful connections are made over a casual chat.

Panel discussions:

Every year, our panel discussions highlight the diversity of the social enterprise sector and create opportunities to share best practices. This year, we hosted two panels at the same time meaning participants had to chose which one to attend. This allowed for smaller discussions and showcasing more social entrepreneurs! A huge thank you to: Spice FM, Ecologico, Woodshed Workshop and Accounting for Good CIC who discussed the challenges around money! An equally big shout out to Gateshead Community Organisation, Footsteps Children’s Services, Bridge Creative CIC and Make an Impact CIC who discussed measuring impact.

Reflections and Takeaways

Social Enterprise Day 2024 reminded us of the critical ingredients for success: resilient founders, sustainable finances, and measurable impact. By creating spaces for connection, learning, and sharing, we hope to inspire more changemakers across the North East to thrive.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success! Let’s keep the momentum going—because together, we’re making a difference. Without our sponsors, this event wouldn’t be possible, so a final thank you to: BIPC, Power to Change, PNE, Durham University, Talbot Jones Insurance Brokers, RHWE.

Watch the Talks and Panels On-Demand

Missed the live event? You can still join the conversation! On-demand tickets are now available, giving you access to the inspiring keynote and panel discussions—all on your schedule.

Don’t miss the chance to gain invaluable insights from leading social entrepreneurs and changemakers. Click here to buy your on-demand ticket today!

Been inspired to start your own social enterprise? Find our more here.