Activities

Activity 1

TITLE:

Steps for establishing a social enterprise and legal framework

 

PROPOSED TIME DURATION:

3 hours

 

PROPOSED GROUP SIZE:

Approximately 25 persons 4-5 persons in each group

 

SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom

 

SESSION OBJECTIVES:

The participants will understand the meaning of the working in a team. This specific soft skill is essential for the establishment and development of the social enterprise. In addition, they will learn how to search and take into consideration the legal framework of a business in the social economy sector

 

SESSION DESCRIPTION
(step-by-step):

PART I – TEAM WORK (2 hours)

The facilitator needs to adjust the setup of this activity according to the level and size of the group. This activity is ideal for a larger group of people where at least three sub-groups could be built. There should also be some sort of jury that will review the outcomes, evaluate and give feedback.

At the beginning of the activity the sub-groups assign a group leader. The group leaders (only!) will then receive the detailed instructions for the exercise.

The task is to build a prototype of a skyscraper. Each sub-group has to build a skyscraper on their own. The prototypes should be built in the same scale. They should reach as high as possible.

In addition, the building should also have a name and represent a specific theme. The theme should be expressed visually by the building.

The construction materials – which need to be set up by the facilitator in advance – are the same for all sub-groups. They receive cardboard, paper, glue (or hot-glue), cutting-knives, scissors, pencils, masking tape and colours.

The groups have limited construction time to build their prototype. Once the time is up all groups are asked to present their results to the jury. The group will be judged by three criteria:

  1. design and representation of the theme
  2. execution and presentation
  3. team-work and performance

The jurors may ask questions about the prototypes in order to gain a better understanding of the details.

After the exercise the groups review the process of designing and building the prototype. They will have worked under stress and therefore they should talk about how they felt during the exercise. This is a simulation where they take on a virtual role. The facilitator should revise how this connects to their professional and personal experience. It is also a good opportunity to review strengths and weaknesses.

PART II – Exploring the legal framework (1 hour)

The instructor explains the importance of the legal framework when you are going to establish a social enterprise. Due to continuous changes and the different legal frameworks in European countries, participants are encouraged to search to the internet the legal framework of establishing a social enterprise. The previous groups of persons that were formed previously can work again in this session. After the search, each group presents the results. The instructor summarizes the basic points of the legal framework.

Basic points:

  • Legal status
  • Purpose
  • Distributions of dividends
  • Inclusion

 

Materials required:

Part I – Cardboard, paper, glue (or hot-glue), cutting-knives, scissors, pencils, masking tape and colours.

Part II – PCs, Internet connection

 

References and other useful sources

http://marshmallowchallenge.com/Instructions.html

http://skyscrapermodels.us/

http://www.currell.net/models/illinois.htm

http://www.papertoys.com/chrysler-building.htm

 

Activity 2

TITLE:

Need Assessment (Environment/ Team Background)  

PROPOSED TIME DURATION:

1.5 hours  

PROPOSED GROUP SIZE:

Approximately 25 persons 4-5 persons in each group  

SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom  

SESSION OBJECTIVES:

The participants will learn the significance of the environment analysis, before starting a business. The external environment as well as the internal environment is essential for the business success.  

SESSION DESCRIPTION (step-by-step):

The instructor divides the participants into groups of 4-5 persons. Each group decide and pick to start a business in a certain business sector. In this framework, each group has to write down all the factors/needs of the external environment including: Α. Economic environment Β. Technological environment
  1. Social-cultural environment
  2. Political environment
Preparatory phase The instructor explains the definitions Economic environment: The totality of economic factors, such as employment, income, inflation, interest rates, productivity, and wealth, that influence the buying behavior of consumers and institutions. Technological environment: External factors in technology that impact business operations. Changes in technology affect how a company will do business. A business may have to dramatically change their operating strategy as a result of changes in the technological environment. Social-cultural environment: A set of beliefs, customs, practices and behavior that exists within a population. International companies often include an examination of the socio-cultural environment prior to entering their target markets. Political environment: Government actions which affects the operations of a company or business. These actions may be on local, regional, national or international level. Business owners and managers pay close attention to the political environment to gauge how government actions will affect their company. Implementation phase According to these factors, the groups should highlight the needs for developing their business idea.  

Materials required:

Papers, pencils, markers, PCs, Internet connection  

References and other useful sources

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/economic-environment.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/technological-environment.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/socio-cultural-environment.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/political-environmental.html

Activity 3

TITLE:

Develop a Business Idea  

PROPOSED TIME DURATION:

1.5 hours  

PROPOSED GROUP SIZE:

Approximately 25 persons 3-4 persons in each group  

SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom  

SESSION OBJECTIVES:

  • Identify the various sources to generate potential business ideas for new ventures
  • Discuss methods available for generating new ideas
 

SESSION DESCRIPTION (step-by-step):

Instructor’s presentation (5 min) Any good business ideas could be an invention, a new product or service, or an original idea or solution to an everyday problem. A good business idea does not necessarily have to be a unique products or services. Majority of the entrepreneurs credited their accomplishment to the exceptional execution of ordinary ideas. The chances of success therefore will be far greater if you can market a product that is similar to existing offerings, while providing greater value to customers. Instructor’s guidelines (25 min) The instructor divides the participants into groups of 4-5 persons. He asks them to develop a business idea. In order to facilitate the process, he gives some tips such as: (a) Develop ideas as an extension of an existing product (i.e. adding camera and song features to a mobile phone). (b) Create an improved service (fast delivery services). (c) Market a product at a lower price (via e-commerce e.g. amazon.com). (d) Add value to an existing product or service (i.e. reputable brand name or delivery service). (e) Altering their quality or quantity. (f) Introducing automation, simplification, convenience (i.e. smart product). (g) Personal interests or hobbies as many people find ways to turn their hobbies into successful businesses. (h) Work experiences, skills, abilities for a business, related to the work you do. (i) A familiar or unfamiliar product or service. (j) Spot the latest trends. (k) Changing the delivery method, packaging, unit size or shape. (l) Increasing mobility, access, portability or disposability. (m) Simplifying repair, maintenance, replacement or cleaning. (n) Changing their colour, material or shape Implementation (1 hour) Participants are encouraged to brainstorming. After the completion, each group presents its business idea.  

Materials required:

Papers, pencils, markers  

References and other useful sources

www.tankonyvtar.hu/hu/tartalom/…/2011…/BMET5103_Entrepreneurship_04.pdf

Activity 4

TITLE:

Basics of Business Planning  

PROPOSED TIME DURATION:

1 hour  

PROPOSED GROUP SIZE:

Approximately 25 persons 3-4 persons in each group  

SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom  

SESSION OBJECTIVES:

Participants will learn about the significance of business planning through the use of the business model canvas  

SESSION DESCRIPTION (step-by-step):

The instructor divides the participants into groups of 4-5 persons. He asks them to answer the following questions, having in their minds the previous discusses business idea: Key partners
  • Who are your key partners/suppliers?
  • What are the motivations for the partnerships?
Key activities
  • What key activities does your value proposition require?
  • What activities are important the most in distribution channels, patient relationships, revenue stream?
Value Proposition
  • What core value do you deliver to the patient?
  • Which customer needs are you satisfying?
Customer Relationship
  • What relationship that the target customer/patient expects you to establish?
  • How can you integrate that into your business in terms of cost and format?
Customer Segment
  • Which classes are you creating values for?
  • Who is your most important customer?
Key Resources
  • What key resources does your value proposition require?
  • What resources are important the most in distribution channels, customer/patient relationships, revenue stream?
Distribution Channel
  • Through which channels that your customers/patients want to be reached?
  • Which channels work best? How much do they cost? How can they be integrated into your and your customers’ routines?
Cost Structure
  • What are the most cost in your business?
  • Which key resources/ activities are most expensive?
Revenue Stream
  • For what value are your customers willing to pay?
  • What and how do they recently pay? How would they prefer to pay?
How much does every revenue stream contribute to the overall revenues? After the brainstorming, each group presents its feedback. Finally, the instructor explains that the above questions draft the business model canvas The Business Model Canvas is a strategic management and lean startup template for developing new or documenting existing business models. It is a visual chart with elements describing a firm’s or product’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances.  

Materials required:

Papers, pencils, markers  

References and other useful sources

https://www.google.gr/search?q=business+model+canvas+template&client=firefox-b&dcr=0&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwijn8XI2-PXAhXJF-wKHSntALIQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=635

Activity 5

TITLE:

Development of my business plan  

PROPOSED TIME DURATION:

2 hours  

PROPOSED GROUP SIZE:

Approximately 25 persons 3-4 persons in each group  

SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom  

SESSION OBJECTIVES:

Participants will learn: – what a business plan is – the parts of a business plan – what is competitive edge  

SESSION DESCRIPTION (step-by-step):

The instructor divides the participants into groups of 3-4 persons and ask them to develop a draft business plan for a business that could be started with $1,000. He asks them to answer in detail the following questions:
  • How can you describe the business…in only one paragraph please?
  • What is your product, or service?
  • Who will buy it?
  • Where should you locate the business?
  • How can you attract customers?
  • What is your competition?
  • How much should you charge for the products or service?
  • What advice do you need and who can provide it?
  • How will you organize the managers and/or workers of the business?
  • How will you split the profits? Who is responsible for the losses?
  • What should you consider to be able to produce the product and get it to the customer?
  • How much money is needed to get the business started?
  • How many customers will you have per month and how much will they buy per month?
  • How much does it cost to make the product or provide the service?
  • What are your operating costs? (Include your own salary)
  • How much money will your business earn each month by selling your product or service?
  • How much investment will you need to keep the business going until you make a profit?
  • What is your potential profit per year for Year I, Year II, and Year III?
  • How much money do you need to borrow to start this business?
  • How will you make the business grow in the future?
After the completion of the activity the instructor analyzes the basic parts of a business plan:
  1. SUMMARY OF THE BUSINESS
  2. DEFINING THE BUSINESS IDEA
  3. THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND ITS DEVELOPMENT
  4. COMPETITIVE EDGE
  5. OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGY
  6. BASIC ECONOMIC QUESTIONS
  7. FIRM RISKS
 

Materials required:

Papers, pencils, markers  

References and other useful sources

http://www.entre-ed.net/_teach/busplan.htm https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/247574

Activity 6

TITLE:

Shark Tank  

PROPOSED TIME DURATION:

2 hours  

PROPOSED GROUP SIZE:

Approximately 25 persons 3-4 persons in each group  

SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom  

SESSION OBJECTIVES:

The participants will learn to point out the highlights of their business idea and communicate with potential investors. The instructor will use the following scenario:  

SESSION DESCRIPTION (step-by-step):

You will be creating a product and a business proposal as if you were planning to pitch your idea to the entrepreneurs. What products dο the investors invest in? Why? What products dο the investors reject? Procedures and Requirements The participants may work individually, or in a group of two to three people. They have to create a unique product idea and develop a business plan. They can also use the business plan developed in the previous activity. Then they have to come up with a creative way to pitch their idea to the investors. Investors/judges will be comprised of 4 persons/participants who will not participate in the activity. They will grade the business idea according to the below grading system. The group with the highest score will win! Grading System Product (30 points) Unique and creative Sellable Business plan (30 points) Answers all posed questions Presented in an easy to understand way/well-organized Realistic figures/well-researched Presentation (30 points) Knowledgeable of product Poised/confident demeanour Engaging presentation/creative Creative Persuasive The Investors’ Scores (10 points) This score is based on whether or not the investors wanted to invest in your product  

Materials required:

Papers, pencils, markers  

References and other useful sources

https://goo.gl/HKBT8J

Video about The 3th Industrial Revolution

Video about The 3th Industrial Revolution

The 2018 edition of the European Day of Social Economy Enterprises will take place on June 4 in Brussels. The event will be organised by the European Economic and Social Committee and will bring social economy stakeholders together to review the progress made in building an ecosystem for the sector, as well as explore the next steps for disseminating the concept and foster the recognition of the business model. Join Social Seeds in this meeting and get involved to create a systemic change at European level for the social economy. More details: https://bit.ly/2FfiZz

Society Profits 12 workshops that can be applied by youth workers

Society Profits 12 workshops that can be applied by youth workers.pdf