Category: The Circle Academy

Squaring The Circle on Funding Applications with Kirsty Thomson

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The world of funding can be complex to navigate and if you don’t know what funders are looking for it can make it difficult to get the funding your organisation or project needs. Acquiring funding is particularly important for many organisations at the moment to plug the gaps in cash flows and to allow them to adapt their way of working in response to the covid-19 crisis. Join Founder and CEO of The Circle, Kirsty Thomson for a webinar where she’ll be covering what you need to know about the world of funding.

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Squaring The Circle on Social Impact In A Digital With Bruce Walker

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It’s undeniable that the circumstances this year have had a huge impact on the third sector, and on businesses that want to make an impact beyond profit. Face-to face interaction with beneficiaries and customers is often not an option and the use of video conferencing and team management software has prevailed. And whilst the move to digital has proved beneficial in some circumstances, the underlying economic uncertainty, and the process of integrating new technologies and processes into an organisation is still a challenge for many.

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Join us for a webinar answering your burning governance questions

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We are offering a webinar on governance with former Alliance Trust Company Secretary, Donald McPherson. The session will be running on Thursday 15th October from 10am to 11.30am.

Donald McPherson has worked in legal and governance roles in listed companies for 30 years, including his role at Alliance Trust PLC, where he was responsible for setting up and chairing the Alliance Trust Foundation. He is currently the Chair of The Circle, a corporate governance consultant and non-executive Director.

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What Is The Semi Circle?

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The Semi Circle is a brand new programme we are launching under The Circle Academy. 2020 has seen huge changes to the way we do things and brought our plans for a digital version of our in-person Academy programme right to the forefront. We’ve created a specialised digital learning platform from with to host our programme and populated it with new and improved content. We are very pleased to be launching the brand new Semi Circle programme as part of this.

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You’ve heard of Social Enterprise but what does ‘More Than Profit’ mean?

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From pay it forward schemes to eco friendly products, to cafes that employ individuals with additional needs, chances are you’ve know of a social enterprise or interacted with one in some way.

It was around 10 years ago that Toms, the shoe brand, hit high streets with their promise to give a pair of shoes for each one that was purchased. and it was the first time in my memory at least that a big brand had social impact built into their business model.

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Applications open for the next cohort of The Circle Academy

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The Circle Academy is an intensive learning programme that provides a mixture of expert led sessions, exclusive online content including The Academy Manual, one to one practical learning and expert consultancy time to help you deliver a well researched and credible business plan, cash flow and marketing plan worthy of investment.

Over 12 weeks, it covers 12 key elements of running a More Than Profit business including entrepreneurial mindset, business planning, legal structure, governance, finance, marketing, sales and selling, teams and culture, social impact, funding and pitching.

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Why a cash flow is crucial for social entrepreneurs

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A man walks into a bank, pulls out a gun and says to the clerk, “Give me all your money. I need to set myself up in new social enterprise. I need initial investment until my cash flow is established.” 

The manager turns to the clerk and says, “You’d better do what he says, I think he means business.” 

How right our robber is, any social enterprise, no matter the size or how long it has been established, needs to have a robust cash flow. Like any other business, lack of cash is one of the biggest reasons for small business failure. 

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Welcoming Alvina Menzies to the team

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The Circle has welcomed a new member of staff to their team. Alvina Menzies will be joining the team as Academy Manager in August. She will be managing The Circle Academy during its third cohort beginning on September 17th and concluding in December.

The Circle Academy is our 12-week programme focused on developing skills and knowledge in the following key areas: mindset, business model, finance, legal, governance, people, social impact and sustainability through multiple income streams. The programme is now SQA accredited as a level 7 SVQ – successful candidates will complete the programme with a business plan, cashflow and marketing strategy as well as an award in ‘The Circle Academy Award in Social Entrepreneurship’.

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