If social and economic inequality is a structural problem, then solutions that aspire to transformative change cannot focus only on helping individuals or their families. Is it possible to design businesses that build wealth for the community and not just its investors? Can businesses that are collectively-owned and democratically-managed be viable? Are we able to create a ‘social economy’ where commercial activity subservient to community needs?
We focus on the multi-stakeholder community-owned enterprises as a key means of achieving these goals. IPS Policy Lab will share preliminary research and explain how such community enterprises are different from typical social enterprises or cooperatives, and why—if designed and implemented properly—have potential to drive economic inclusion and social mobility.
The event will also mark the launch of the Community Business Incubator and Network of Inclusive and Community Enterprises (NICE), initiatives funded by Toteboard’s Future Ready Society Impact Fund.
There will be a panel of business leaders, policymakers and Apex organisations to discuss multi-stakeholder community-owned enterprises as a model to address social and economic inequality. There will also be breakout rooms for participants to network with organisations that run business incubation programmes or have started social purpose enterprises.
Please click here to view the programme.
For enquiries, please contact Ms Nur Zahidah at 6601-1420 or decb64_aXBzLmV2ZW50OUBudXMuZWR1LnNn_decb64.