Upcoming Events
Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation and ACANEA Anniversary - July 2025
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of ACANEA in July 2025, here is a proposal for organizing an event that could reflect the impact and mission of the Association: Organization proposal for the 5th anniversary of ACANEA:
Main theme:
"Celebrating 5 years of innovation, entrepreneurship and solidarity"
A look back at the first five years, highlighting the challenges
overcome and the successes achieved, while projecting the future with optimism.
Main theme
Celebrating 5 years of innovation,
entrepreneurship and solidarity
Objectives of the event
- Celebrating the successes of ACANEA and its role in supporting French-speaking black entrepreneurs.
- Strengthening ties with partners, members and the community.
- Highlight past, current, and upcoming projects.
- Provide a platform for sharing ideas and networking.
Target audience:
Young adults, high school and university students
Date and Place
Date :
- A Saturday or Sunday in July 2025
Place :
- A central and accessible space in Edmonton, such as a community centre, conference room, or outdoor space if weather permits.
Event program
- Welcome (30 minutes)
Welcome speech by the President or a key member of ACANEA.
Distribution of programs and brochures on ACANEA projects and achievements
- Opening remarks (15 minutes)
A special speech by Ernesto Kalema, founder of ACANEA, who will share the history of the association and its vision for the future.
- Testimonials and Achievements (1 hour)
Testimonials from ACANEA members and entrepreneurs who have benefited from the Association’s services.
Presentation of a retrospective video highlighting the significant events of the last 5 years.
- Networking session (45 minutes)
Small group discussions on challenges and opportunities in the field of entrepreneurship and the integration of French-speaking Blacks
- Panel discussion (1 hour)
Theme: “The future of black francophone entrepreneurship in Canada.”
Invite experts, ACANEA partners and local entrepreneurs to discuss sustainable development strategies.
- Interactive workshop or activities (1 hour)
Organize a hands-on workshop on the theme “Innovating for Business Success,” where participants can interact, ask questions, and share tips.
- Cocktail and meal (1 hour)
A friendly moment with food and drinks, promoting networking
A buffet or reception with dishes inspired by local and African cuisine
- Closing speech (15 minutes)
Thanks to guests, sponsors and volunteers
Announcement of future initiatives and projects
Additional activities
- Local Entrepreneur Expo: Create a space where members can showcase their products or services.
- Community Support: Raising funds or items to support community projects or inclusion programs
Communication and Promotion
- Create digital and printed invitations, promote the event on social media, the website and via partners.
- Set up a countdown on social media, share testimonials and announcements as the event approaches.
Partnerships and Sponsors
- Invite sponsors to support the event, such as local businesses, financial institutions or organizations with a relationship with ACANEA
- Provide visibility opportunities for partners during the event.
- With such a program, the event will not only mark the achievements of ACANEA, but also the impact that the Association has had on the community of French-speaking black entrepreneurs in Canada.
Workshop
Social Entrepreneurship:
Innovate to change the world
This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs interested in creating businesses with a positive social, environmental and economic impact. It focuses on how to launch, grow and manage a social enterprise while introducing innovative strategies to solve societal problems
Workshop objectives
- Raise awareness among participants about social entrepreneurship and its role in transforming society
- Provide tools and strategies to build businesses that generate both profit and positive impact on the community.
- Encourage innovation in solving complex social problems, while relying on sustainable business models.
- Helping entrepreneurs understand social enterprise financing, access grants, and create strategic partnerships
Topics covered:
- Social Entrepreneurship Models
- The social impact of companies and how to measure it
- Building businesses that have a positive impact on the community
- Financing social and responsible projects
Target audience :
Social entrepreneurs, community development actors
Workshop Content
Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
What is social entrepreneurship?
- Definition and characteristics of social entrepreneurship.
- Difference between social enterprise and traditional enterprise
- The main challenges and opportunities in this sector.
Examples of successful social enterprises
- Case studies of social enterprises having a positive impact on society (e.g. businesses addressing issues such as poverty, access to education, health, environmental sustainability).
- Testimonies from local or international social entrepreneurs.
Creating a socially responsible business model
The pillars of a sustainable economic model
- How to balance profitability and social impact.
- The importance of the social mission in the business model.
- Integrating social impact into the core of the company’s activity.
Innovating to solve social problems
- Identify social issues and develop innovative solutions
- Créer des produits ou services qui répondent aux besoins des populations défavorisées ou marginalisées.
- L'innovation comme levier pour la résolution de défis sociaux complexes (par exemple, l'utilisation des technologies pour améliorer l'accès à l'éducation ou à la santé).
Planning and managing a social enterprise
Developing a Business Plan for a Social Enterprise
- Develop a clear vision, define social and financial objectives
- Business plan structure: mission, target market, business model, financing strategy.
- L'évaluation des impacts sociaux et environnementaux : comment mesurer le succès d'une entreprise sociale.
Social Enterprise Management Strategies
- Governance of a social enterprise: involvement of stakeholders (community, employees, beneficiaries).
- Creation of a team committed and motivated by the company's social mission.
- The importance of transparency and ethics in management
Financing social enterprises
Sources of funding for social enterprises
- Government grants, crowdfunding, social investors.
- Impact investing: what is it and how to attract impact investors?
- Funding programs and competitions for social enterprises
How to Write a Funding Proposal
- Create a strong argument to convince investors or donors.
- Highlighting social impact while demonstrating financial viability
- Structure a funding request adapted to your social project
Measuring social and environmental impact
The importance of impact measurement
- How to assess the social and environmental impact of your business
- Use quantitative and qualitative indicators to monitor your business progress.
- Tools and methodologies for measuring impact: cost-benefit analysis, beneficiary survey, etc.
Impact reporting and communication
- How to write and communicate an impact report: social, economic, and environmental impact.
- The importance of transparency with stakeholders: how to report impact to your investors, customers and partners.
Development of strategic partnerships
Building Alliances for Impact
- Identify potential partners to support your business growth and impact (NGOs, government, other social enterprises)
- Collaborate with others to strengthen collective impact and expand the reach of your business.
The importance of public-private partnerships
- How to leverage partnerships with governments to obtain funding or resources.
- Use alliances with companies or institutions to expand your network and influence
Challenges and opportunities in social entrepreneurship
Common Challenges for Social Entrepreneurs
- Lack of long-term financing, difficulties in maintaining a balance between social and financial objectives, regulatory obstacles.
- Managing risks related to social impact, investor pressure, and beneficiary expectations.
Opportunities for social enterprises
- Emerging markets for social enterprises, changing consumer and business expectations for social impact.
- The rise of impact investing and growing interest in responsible businesses.
Teaching methods
- Interactive Conferences: Theoretical sessions combined with real case studies of social entrepreneurs.
- Practical workshops: Group discussions on creating social economic models and identifying impact opportunities
- Mentoring Sessions: Interaction with experienced social entrepreneurs to share tips and strategies for success
- Practical exercises: Writing a business plan or financing proposal for a fictitious or real social enterprise.
Workshop duration
- 1 full day (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), with breaks for group discussions and practical workshops.
- Possibility of offering follow-up over several months via consultations or coaching sessions.
Target audience
- Entrepreneurs interested in social impact: Those who want to create businesses with a strong social or environmental component.
- NGOs and civil society actors: Those seeking to understand how to transform social initiatives into sustainable businesses
- Young entrepreneurs and students: Those who want to start social or innovative projects, but need guidance on how to structure them
Speakers
- Successful Social Entrepreneurs: Stories from those who have created businesses with a significant impact on society.
- Social Finance Experts: Practical advice on funding strategies, including impact investing and government grants.
- Social Impact Strategy Consultants: To help structure social enterprises, measure their impact and manage their growth
Workshop location
- Suggested location: Conference room or coworking space, preferably in an environment that reflects the social and responsible values of social enterprises
- Virtual Access: Possibility to organize the workshop in hybrid form to allow a wider audience to participate
Post-workshop follow-up
- Individual coaching: Personalized support to help participants develop their own social business plan
- Networking: Create a network of young social entrepreneurs and investors interested in impact projects
- Mentoring Sessions: Access to ongoing mentoring to help overcome the challenges of creating a social enterprise.