What is the role of business in society? Perhaps this question crossed your mind in recent years given the global economic crisis. Well-established companies that date decades into history have for purpose to create wealth and jobs. Yet amidst the economic crisis are environmental crisis, global food crisis, energy crisis, healthcare crisis, and a plethora of social issues. Does this reflect the need for companies to reframe their practices? Certain companies have embraced corporate social responsibility alongside their core mission. But is that enough to solve humanity’s problems? Deloitte seems to have a solution for supporting social enterprises.
This past November the Deloitte Social Innovation Pioneers was launched. They are looking for 50 socially innovative businesses in the UK that can demonstrate social and environmental impact, a sustainable business model, and the determination to scale. The selected businesses will be given support to go mainstream, to scale, and to garner investment.
While this program is open to businesses of any legal structure, they are only accepting applicants with primary operations in the UK. There is no fee to apply. Applications are accepted until January 29, 2012 with the winners announced in March 2012. The Pioneers will then undergo a one-year program after which they will graduate into the alumni network. The program is designed to support innovation as well as allow Deloitte to work with social innovators to grow social enterprise in the UK.