What is an entrepreneurial mindset? How do I develop the mindset of an entrepreneur?

June 29, 2020June 25, 2020Leave a comment

What is an entrepreneurial mindset?

Entrepreneurial Mindset: a way of thinking that enables decisiveness and the ability to overcome challenges, and accept responsibility for outcomes.

It is also characterised by a constant need to improve skills, learn from mistakes, and see ideas through to fruition.

An entrepreneurial mindset can be interpreted as a refusal to fear the possibility of failing. Instead, failure is seen as a success; providing a valuable learning opportunity, prompting new approaches and acting as in indicator that the idea or approach is not viable.

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The Circle Academy: gaining confidence, and much needed focus during lockdown

June 23, 2020Leave a comment

Audrey Kerr, a participant of the recently completed 2nd cohort of The Circle Academy, and Enterprise Development Worker at Wellbeing Works Dundee, shares her experience of the programme as it adapted to digital delivery.

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Squaring The Circle

June 10, 2020July 8, 2020Leave a comment

Squaring The Circle: To find the solution to a seemingly impossible challenge

Join us for a series of webinars designed to provide third sector organisations with the relevant knowledge to find solutions to issues facing the sector today.
Throughout this series Kirsty Thompson, CEO of The Circle CIC, and a number of industry experts will deliver weekly sessions on funding, marketing, governance and more.

These sessions will include an overview of the topic, an interactive activity and time for a Q&A session where the speaker can answer your burning questions.

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The Circle Academy future participants will become qualified social entrepreneurs

June 5, 2020Leave a comment

The Circle Academy, a 12 week training programme for individuals interested in running a more than profit business, has been awarded accreditation from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. Meaning the invaluable learning on the programme will be complemented by an internationally recognised qualification.

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Embracing change and creating a force for social good

April 21, 2020April 21, 2020Leave a comment

Alvina Menzies, A current participant of The Circle Academy, and founder of two social enterprises, shares her experience of the Academy programme so far…

A bit about Alvina & her business

“18 months ago I took a career break for my own and my family’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

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Understanding funding for social entrepreneurs

March 11, 2020March 11, 2020Leave a comment

For any business the ultimate goal is to become financially self-sustaining, and one way to achieve this is through investment and fundraising. At The Circle we adopt a ‘More Than Profit’ approach and encourage others to do so as well. Having a ‘More than Profit’ approach means that companies with a social impact should aim to be self-sustaining from doing what they do (e.g. the sales of its products and/or services) and should not be reliant on a single income stream.

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What Is The Circle Academy?

February 10, 2020March 17, 2020Leave a comment

Here at The Circle, we’ve been thinking hard about how to distil down to it’s essence, exactly what The Circle Academy is, and what it can do for you and your business. It’s an informed, multifaceted approach to equipping social leaders with business skills, covering a plethora of topics.

You can find out more about The Circle Academy here, but with the second cohort of the Academy just around the corner, we thought we’d break down exactly what it is, and answer some of your frequently asked questions along the way:

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The Circle Academy: A Springboard For Social Entrepreneurs

January 28, 2020January 28, 20202 Comments

Look at an individual’s drive to create change with innovative ideas and creative solutions, and it’s easy to see why social enterprise in the UK is booming. From establishing pay it forward schemes to facilitating social procurement, the number of entrepreneurs bringing businesses with an ethical focus into every sector and industry is incredible. There are so many success stories and individuals to champion that the challenges faced by social entrepreneurs are often overlooked.

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The Circle Academy secures funding for its 2020 cohorts

January 10, 2020January 17, 20201 Comment

The Circle has received funding to support the delivery of The Circle Academy to a second cohort of aspiring ‘More Than Profit’ leaders. Funding has been contributed from The Rank Foundation as well as the George and Grace Thomson Fund. In addition to this, the candidates will also have the chance to pitch for up to £5,000 through national funders, UnLtd Scotland.

The Academy is a 12-week training programme for those interested in running an organisation with a ‘More than Profit’ approach. Individuals will benefit from 12 weeks of intensive training covering essential topics; mindset, business model, finance, legal, governance, people, social impact and sustainability through multiple income streams.

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