Starving Charities get Enterprising

Starving Charities get Enterprising

Moving from hand to mouth charity status to increased financial independence is a key theme of the national Community Economic Development Conference that is being held in Auckland on 19/20 April.

The conference named "Making it Happen: from Possibility to Profitability" promises to be a feast for anyone who is interested in growing community prosperity through social enterprise. Fifty presenters from the UK, Australia and New Zealand will share their knowledge and skills on building flourishing resilient communities through greater financial independence.

The Westpac sponsored HotHouse, based on the television series Dragon's Den offers ten entrants the opportunity to pitch an idea that combines making a profit with community benefit. Up for grabs are six cash prizes of up to $5000.00 and professional support towards receiving a social loan.

Since the devastating Christchurch quake, there has been increased awareness that strong connected communities fare better in tough times. Christchurch social entrepreneur, Lindsay Jeffs, will focus on "How a community economic development approach could rebuild a sustainable resilient Christchurch."

Indigenous peoples interests will be represented in several sessions including renowned Aboriginal Leader, Dennis Foley and our own "Aunty" Ella Henry who will co-present on "Indigenous Emancipation: Out of the Dominant Economy"

Inspiring stories of enterprise at CED 2011 will traverse a wide range of effective social tools, providing delegates with both nourishment and challenge. You are welcome to register at CED conference

Editor's Notes:

In February 2010 the inaugural Community Economic Development Conference was held in Auckland. That conference was aimed at building a thriving, resilient and financially sustainable community sector. Through introducing the concepts of social enterprise, social finance and community owned assets community organisations were empowered to consider possibilities to become more entrepreneurial, develop independent income streams and so reduce their reliance on government and philanthropic grants.

This years' CED conference builds on the growing momentum and is being championed by the Community Economic Development Trust for New Zealand (CEDNZ) and Community Waitakere. The HotHouse session at the conference is supported by the national umbrella group - The New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO).

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