Social entrepreneurs want better support

Social experts say they may become factor for change

Beyond just a fad, social entrepreneurs are increasingly taking centre-stage in innovation to tackling issues faced by communities while attracting the attention of key stakeholders, and more importantly, funding.

This was stated by leading social and development sector experts while sharing their views at a panel discussion to conclude the five-day acceleration programme for young social entrepreneurs organised by the Epiphany and Unchartered (previously at the National Incubation Centre.

The acceleration programme was held for early-stage social entrepreneurs from across the country. These start-ups were selected through a competitive process from amongst a pool of 70.

Epiphany also organised a panel discussion on the social entrepreneurship landscape in Pakistan with leading experts, including Sustainable Development Policy Institute Deputy Executive Director Dr Vaqar Ahmed, British Council Programmes - Society Head of Zeenia Masood, Inaara Impact Ventures Founder Sadia Malik, JS Bank Branchless Banking Head Noman Azhar and  ForiFix founder Samina Faisal.

Drawing on the link between social entrepreneurship and women empowerment, Dr Ahmad stated that the public sector needs to support social enterprises (SEs) by giving a legal definition to these entities, providing financial support through provincial development budgets, and fulfilling organisational development needs of potential women entrepreneurs and start-ups through capacity building.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2017.