The second Social Enterprise Award Scheme (SEAS) wrapped up on Saturday, where several social entrepreneurs spent the afternoon at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre being recognized for their work.
The Scheme was organized by Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Bureau and the Social Enterprise Advisory Committee to recognize outstanding social enterprises in Hong Kong, set examples for the industry, and enhance public understanding of social enterprises.
Lately, there are extra merits to running a social enterprise in Hong Kong. When the Scheme launched in 2011, the public was met with a plastering of posters in subway stations across the city. Information about social enterprises and the awards stood next to movie posters.
Just last month, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design welcomed students and staff to their newly finished Innovation Tower. Inside, space has been and will be used for various social innovation activities.
Providing an influential boost of support, Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs, said during the awards that “The Government will continue to promote the development of social enterprises and encourage more people from various sectors to support and work towards building a caring and inclusive society.”
Last year, the government created the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund Task Force with a goal of addressing poverty. More recently, it launched a funding scheme to study the impact social enterprises create in society.
The award categories and 14 winners of the SEAS 2013 are (listed in random order):
Social Impact
Champion: Happy Veggies, My Concept Event Management
Meritorious Award: TWGHs iBakery Gallery Café, Light Home Scheme
Financial Performance
Champion: Hong Kong TransLingual Services
Meritorious Award: TWGHs “Take a Break” Catering Service
Operational Excellence
Champion: The Salvation Army Family Stores
Meritorious Award: TWGHs Enterprise Vegetable & Fruit Processing and Supply Service
Branding and Marketing
Champion: “Cheers Gallery” Rehab Shop, TWGHs iBakery Gallery Café
Meritorious Award: Bonham Strand Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Kitchen, farmfresh330
Customer Satisfaction
Champion: Hong Kong Kitchen
Meritorious Award: “Cheers Gallery” Rehab Shop
Employee Satisfaction
Champion: TWGHs iBakery Gallery Café, Friends, “Cheers Gallery” Rehab Shop
Business Potential
Champion: Hong Kong Kitchen
Innovation
Champion: Dialogue Experience Silence, Light Home Scheme
Photo from GovHK.