(Only if managed well do) small acorns grow into mighty oaks

On the eve of our new Associates arriving in their placements, we give ourselves three days to induct them. Of course, the process starts long before then, and continues long after, but this is the point when the seed meets the soil.

It’s a sobering thought that the integrity of some, perhaps all, of these seeds may be subverted. The duty to nurture these Associates could feel unduly burdensome were you to consider just how sizable the hopes of the social enterprise space are for this relatively small group of people.

Starting with potential and good intentions is not enough. The conditions, and the resolution to do good well need to be perpetually tended to. My intention’s to illustrate this point with reference to two enterprises that were recently brought to my attention (3i and Nike). If you loose sight of the founding principles, ivy will quickly infiltrate and sabotage a poorly managed woodland.

Induction, April 2013

Over the course of our three day induction, we try to demonstrate to the Associates the extremes of the social enterprise space that On Purpose works with. We invite two senior folk along to lead two contrasting sessions. The dimension along which these speakers sit varies from one cohort to the next, but in broad terms they fall along one of the following:

i. how corporates, relative to small scale (social) enterprises attempt to grapple with environmental and/or societal challenges, or;

ii. how charities are working to adopt more commercial minded approaches, relative to commercial entities looking to embed more socially-minded ways of working

The cohort most recently inducted, April 2013, were treated to an exploration of the former. On successive days they were joined by James Parr, Creative Director and co-Founder of Imaginals (in the corporate corner), and Antony Ross, Partner and Head of the Social Entrepreneurs Fund at Bridges Ventures (in the social enterprise corner).

Strong foundations

By chance, both James and Antony each mentioned an enterprise (Nike and 3i respectively) that when founded could have quite possibly been recognised as social enterprises. Both Nike and 3i are now a long way from their strong foundations. I’d suggest these two mighty oaks have since been subsumed in rampant ivy.

3i roots can be found in post-war Britain when communities were decimated. The Macmillan Committee identified SME as a useful medium to resuscitate society, consequently the state funded 3i (then named the Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation) provided long term investment funding for these enterprises. Now a self-proclaimed ‘leading international venture capital company’, would it be wrong for me to propose it’s lost sight of its purpose; has parasitic ivy well and truly taken hold?

Back in the day Nike’s founders, Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, simply wanted to get people running. The brand is a by-product that undoubtedly has since subsumed this good intention. But, by all accounts, there’s a social intrepreneurial effort afoot with the Let’s Move initiative to rectify this record.

[caption id=”attachment_4970" align=”aligncenter” width=”225"]

Lets Move: click on the image above to watch what Nike is doing[/caption]

The art of forestry

I suppose On Purpose’s ecosystem of alumni and supporters works to ensure that the generous resource and attention dedicated to the Associates over the course of their year-long programme doesn’t go to waste. In order for these acorns to reach their potential we try to hold each other to account and to keep any invasive ivy at bay. Only time will tell though if, or how, On Purpose will deviate from its intention to grow into an ancient oak woodland.

On Purpose is currently recruiting it’s next cohort of Associates, starting in October 2013. To find out more and apply, visit here.