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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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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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 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.
Continue readingAn opinion piece by our Founder & CEO, Kirsty Thomson.
How often do social entrepreneurs get asked how much money they are really earning? Do we ever ask if their take home pay is enough to cover their bills?
Who is looking out for their welfare?
More than most start-up support organisations fixate on “social” objectives yet sit back and watch founders take £500 per month in salary. This is something that needs to end for founders who are investing everything in tackling social objectives with no one looking out for them.
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We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been named on the NatWest SE100 Index alongside social enterprises such as Hey Girls, Divine Chocolate and Clean for Good.
The list celebrates the growth, impact and resilience of social ventures in the UK – by naming the most impressive 100 social enterprises of the year in the Index and giving seven SE100 Social Business Awards for the most outstanding achievers.
This news is especially exciting since our founder and CEO, Kirsty Thomson, was listed on NatWest’s WISE100 – a list that recognises the 100 most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise – in 2018.
Kirsty says she and the rest of The Circle team are thrilled to be featured on the SE100,
“We are absolutely delighted to have been named on this list among so many amazing social enterprises from across the UK. It is terrific to be recognised for the work we have been doing over the past 2 years to create a positive social impact.”
I’m excited to be the most recent member of The Circle team! I started in my role as the Junior Communications Assistant in March 2019. After spending a full year concentrating on my creative practice as a visual artist, I felt it was time that I found a position that was going to be more than just a day job. I was looking for a role that would offer me the opportunity to build a career in an area that would allow me to utilise the skills I have acquired over years of self-directed artistic practice.
Before joining the team, I had been working mostly in retail, customer service and receptionist roles which developed my verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
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The Circle has won ‘The Courier Social Impact Business of the Year 2018 Award’ less than two years after it was launched by Kirsty Thomson, Founder & CEO.
The Awards Ceremony & Dinner at the Apex City Quay Dundee was a great opportunity for The Circle team to celebrate the judging panel’s recognition and reflect on their achievements. The evening was a wonderful occasion and The Circle were delighted to bring a trophy back to Staffa Place, however, it is the impact we have demonstrated that we are most proud of.
The Circle is growing. We are delighted that we are filling up and seeing more and more bookings. We are not there yet and in order to grow a bit more and get some funding in, we need to add some new members to our team.
We are therefore offering volunteer receptionist opportunities at The Circle for people looking to find something to do for a few hours per week, practice their skills, get work experience, or just contribute to a growing social enterprise. For this, you will get, first of all, our love, and then, travel expenses, experience in a start-up social enterprise environment, the opportunity to make your mark in an organisation dedicated to making an impact and regular supportive supervision sessions.
Volunteers will be well-placed to make a great application when our receptionist roles are advertised.
We are looking for a minimum of four people to do one o 4-hour shifts per week for at least a few months (and for as long as you want to). These shifts will be either mornings or afternoons, Monday to Friday.
We are looking for up to three people to join our Board of Trustees.
On a voluntary basis, trustees help The Circle develop its work, becoming a sustainable organisation that acts as a hub for charities, social enterprises, community groups and socially aware businesses in Dundee.
Founded by Kirsty Thomson, The Circle meets a need for affordable workspaces that also provides opportunities for sharing resources, collaboration and networking. It is based in the former Claverhouse Group training centre in Dundee. Launched in November 2016, The Circle has embarked on a transformation of the building into a thriving, productive hub for the community.
This is an opportunity to work with an innovative social enterprise where your contributions will have visibility and real impact. Time commitment can vary, but preparation for and attendance at monthly meetings in Dundee is a minimum requirement.
If you are interested please send us a covering letter (or an intro video) and a CV.
We’re looking for somebody who can help by doing the following
An understanding of the voluntary sector or social enterprises, and previous experience as a trustee are both desirable but not essential.
Please respond by Friday 5th May 2017 to Kirsty via email – kirsty@thecircledundee.org.uk
