The definition of social entrepreneurship may change over time, but its core essence lies in making a meaningful impact on people and society. As Bill Drayton, the founder of Ashoka, who coined the term ” social entrepreneurship, ” states: “Social entrepreneurs are the essential corrective force, are system-changing entrepreneurs, and their works are committed to the good of all.”  Social entrepreneurship itself is a unique blend of business strategies to achieve social objectives and could be a game-changing catalyst in developing economies.

Though it has a great possibility, entrepreneurship and innovation are often overlooked in Nepal. Many young entrepreneurs tend to choose traditional business models because they aren’t aware of the possibilities and benefits of it. With the aim of introducing the concepts and their practicality, Social Lab, in collaboration with Samsara Creation, has been organizing the Social Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (SEB). This bi-monthly event is a common platform for undergraduates, students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and CSOs to learn tools, exchange ideas, reflect on their journey, share their experience, and even work on a team.

The bootcamp has the following major objectives:

• Foster academia-industrial relationships by enhancing students’ exposure to social entrepreneurship programs
• Empower young students with practical tools and techniques
• Enable students to create a strong foundation for entrepreneurship through mentorship from experts and an opportunity to access investment and crowdfunding
• Inspire innovative solutions through real-world case studies and hands-on learning
• Provide a common ground to share, learn, reflect, and collaborate.

This intensive two-day bootcamp covers the key topics like: Social Business Ideation, Tools in Social Entrepreneurship, Business Modeling and Market Testing, Case Studies, Fundraising, Business Architecture, and more.

The event runs on an interactive and engaging workshop format where participants have a chance to collaborate and work in a group. Interestingly, 60% of the funds that are generated from the bootcamp go to the flagship School Support Program (SSP) that supports underprivileged students of the rural outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. This clearly highlights the Social Lab’s commitment to fostering social impacts.

Till now, Social Lab has graduated 3 batches of young changemakers by equipping them with extensive knowledge on social entrepreneurship. More than 10% of participants who have participated in the bootcamps are running the business successfully. One of our participants, Ms. Jyotsana Prajapati, is the founder of the SRHR Menstrual Hub. She shares, “Attending the first Social Entrepreneurship Bootcamp by Social Lab was a turning point for me. The program expanded my knowledge, provided valuable tactics and networking opportunities, and boosted my self-assurance. I’m now prepared to make a meaningful impact in the field of SRHR and MHM through my initiative. I am very grateful for this transformative journey and would like to thank Social Lab!”

With these small yet meaningful actions, we, Social Lab, are committed to redefining the entrepreneurial landscape of the country and fueling young minds with the necessary skills and resources. This act requires support from the visionaries and like-minded changemakers. We urge you all to join hands and be part of a transformative journey that blends purpose with profit, inspiring change and making a lasting impact.