Mission-led businesses measure success based on the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits. With social entrepreneurs creating and sustaining employment opportunities, improving health and fitness, supporting the homeless and those marginalised within our local communities; all of these activities are helping shape a more vibrant and cohesive economy. The potential is huge.
This is more than a trendy thing to do. Research suggests this movement is gaining significant momentum, driven by consumers, entrepreneurs, investors, and policy makers.
Almost nine in 10 (87%) of millennials believe that “the success of a business should be measured in terms of more than just its financial performance.” Deloitte Millennial Survey 2016.
We want to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, providing the tools and mission-aligned investment required to grow and deliver social impact at scale. By supporting Converge Challenge, we know that we are getting access to the brightest upcoming entrepreneurs in Scotland. Alongside the challenge, we will provide access to the appropriate business support and resource to help guide social entrepreneurs and most importantly integrate fully with the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
However, our ambitions should be greater and wider reaching, we want to harness that potential and move the needle so that starting a mission-led business becomes mainstream. To do that we need your help!
About the author
Thomas Gillan is responsible for the financial management and strategic planning within SIS; supporting the delivery of the overall vision and mission of the organisation. In 2015, he led the development of SIS Community Capital, the UK’s first social co-investment fund raising investment using Social Investment Tax Relief. With a background in corporate finance, he is passionate about social entrepreneurship, connecting organisations with mission-aligned investors to support inclusive growth and social impact.
In 2016 Thomas was named the sustainability winner in the top 35 CAs under 35 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland
