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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