Spotlight on the 9 projects of the 4th edition of the coaching programme 1, 2, 3 Go Social
It was at the Banque de Luxembourg and in the presence of their Royal Highnesses, the Crown Grand Duke and Duchess, that on 16 February the 9 social entrepreneurship project-holders were presented to a group of potential investors.
The project-holders in the company of their Royal Highnesses, the Crown Grand Duke and Duchess, Nicolas Buck, the president of nyuko, and Nadine Muller, Minister of Work, Employment and the Social Economy.
Hybrid economic models at the service of the general public
Organized as part of the collective engagement necessary to create lasting development, this evening expertly presented by Hedda Pahlson-Moller, business angel and a specialist in social impact, focused on the enthusiastic entrepreneurs who place economic efficiency at the service of the general good. For several years now, we have seen an increase in the number of creative entrepreneurs in Luxembourg. They dream up and develop hybrid economic models to provide answers to the pressing societal, social and environmental issues that face us. The approach of these entrepreneurs is that profit is a means and not an end, and they try to merge private initiative with altruism, a business spirit with the desire to make business more humane, inclusive and long-lasting.
Enterprises to change society
The project-holders presented their pitches to the applause of those present, conveying the strength of their feelings and talent for changing society. Accommodation, services, events, fashion, web, commerce…were all business sectors discussed. Convincing and inspiring, the pitches underlined the particularity of these innovating businesses which, unlike traditional companies founded on the goal of maximizing profits and competitiveness, “are based on an amazing collusion and participation between the various players involved”, in the words of Nikandre Kopcke, the evening’s keynote speaker and a social entrepreneur at the head of Mazì Mas, a London restaurant that employs refugees and immigrants in its kitchens so they can re-enter the profession. Making an animated plea for social engagement, Nikandre Kopcke focused on the role of the economic powers-that-be and public authorities in the development of social enterprises: “Governments should place social enterprises at the head of their list of service and goods providers!”
Nicolas Buck, the president of nyuko, also highlighted the fact that, in addition to the necessary financial support, non-financial support is a decisive factor in the success of social enterprises and a powerful lever for creating more impact: “Although the social sector is very active in Luxembourg, today it is imperative that the private sector, the deciders, entrepreneurs and the public join together to meet the needs of society and place their talents, experience and expertise at the service of the public good. This evening we are appealing to all entrepreneurs. There are many ways to help create a more inclusive society and lasting development: by investing in innovative socially-oriented companies, by offering these companies advice and expertise, by buying their services or products, and by involving yourselves with their commercial networks.”
Nyuko is recruiting social entrepreneurs for 2016!
For the 2016 edition of 1, 2, 3 Go Social, nyuko is appealing to all those private individuals and beginner or experienced entrepreneurs who would like to work for a fairer society and lasting development. For more information or to register your socially-concerned enterprise project: nyuko.lu!
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