28 April 2016
Six Social Entrepreneurs Shortlisted – Going to a Vote
It’s been tough to get the shortlist down to six for the Rotary Club of Newmarket Social Enterprise Kick-start Award,
run in conjunction with the Ākina Foundation.
The award provides an Auckland region based social enterprise with $10,000 in cash.
Ākina Foundation Chief Executive Alex Hannant said they received 20 applications, submitted as three-minute videos.
“There is a real diversity of ideas, approach and experience in the shortlist, covering employment, health care,
community development, education and environmental issues,” he said.
TitleConceptThe Learning CollaborativeYouth-led tutoring striving for equity in educationFunscreen
Colourful, kid-friendly sunscreen that encourages good sun-protection habits among kids and helps reduce incidences of
skin cancerNoBS RatingsA social and ethical impact rating system about businesses for consumers to make informed purchasing decisionsResource Rescue Rescuing, restoring and reusing appliances, and providing training pathways for employmentMake Give LiveOne-for-one model of beanies that are handmade by, and for the benefit of, people struggling with isolation and
depression Foster Our FutureDeveloping future leaders in low decile communities through mentoring
Rotary Newmarket’s President Patrick Learmonth said their members may also be available to support the successful
ventures.
“As well as providing a cash injection at a time when it makes a real difference, Rotary members may offer ongoing
support. That’s part of the reason we have a vote by members – it creates opportunities for connections. We want to open
doors to our networks, plus we may be able to provide advice on accessing markets and technical support and even
mentoring”, said Mr Learmonth.
Mr Hannant said the Ākina team was excited about this new opportunity to support social enterprise thanks to the
generosity and enthusiasm of the Rotary Club of Newmarket.
“We are hopeful this successful partnership will challenge other services groups to get in behind social enterprise as a
innovative way to approach our complex social and environmental challenges,” said Mr Hannant.
The winner will be announced at a Rotary event on 10 May, after a presentation of the shortlisted videos and a vote by
Rotary members.