Social Enterprise Series – Understanding the issues

Explore root causes and solving the right problems in this introduction to issue mapping.

One of the most important decisions a social entrepreneur can make is how to tackle a given issue. How do you know you’re solving the right problem? Only by understanding the complexity of an issue and the different ‘places to play’ in that ecosystem can you identify the right opportunities to intervene.

Learning outcomes:

• why it is imperative to ensure you are solving the right problem
• the basics of systems thinking and how to conduct a root cause analysis to find the right intervention point
• the common challenges and issues to watch out for
• for purpose and not-for-profit case studies
• why ecosystem mapping and root cause analysis are tools you will use forever, not just one-time ‘set and forget’ activities.

Attendees of this workshop will be awarded the following digital badge:

• Understanding impact

About the presenter

Ross Maher is a passionate believer in three things: innovation, sustainability and community. For eight years, he led the business model transformation that took a small Melbourne-based charity to deliver programs across Australia, and has firsthand experience – and enough bumps and bruises from starting three different start-up ventures – to understand why it is fundamental to ensure you are solving the right problem. He specialises in systems thinking and enjoys mentoring young and old alike to help them succeed at creating change in the world.

About the Social Enterprise Series

While our industry experts will walk you through the key components of building an enterprise that has a positive social impact, you will be encouraged to put your newly learnt skills to work by crafting a video pitch for the chance to win the social enterprise grand prize – $10,000 to kickstart your project.

The Social Enterprise Series cost is 100% subsidised, and is open to university students, staff, and the broader community, with topics delivered via live stream to a national audience.

Delivered by StartSomeGood Pty Ltd

Workshop topics include:

• the change you seek
• understanding the issues
• ideation for impact
• designing your business
• building your tribe
• pitching
• show me the money
• the road is long
• legal considerations for social entrepreneurs
• crowdfunding for social enterprise and impact projects.

Register for workshops and learn how to submit your video entry: acu.edu.au/socialenterpriseseries