Resources to Support Social Entrepreneurs During the COVID-19 Crisis

Mandy Gardner March 19, 2020

“The coming weeks and months will challenge national crisis planning and civil protection systems – and will certainly expose shortcomings in sanitation, housing and other factors that shape health outcomes.
Our response to this epidemic must encompass – and in fact, focus on – those whom society often neglects or relegates to a lesser status. Otherwise, it will fail.
The health of every person is linked to the health of the most marginalized members of the community. Preventing the spread of this virus requires outreach to all, and ensuring equitable access to treatment.”

–Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees,
The coronavirus outbreak is a test of our systems, values and humanity.

Jump to: COVID-19 Information and Guidance for Business Owners // Emergency Funding Sources // Networks // Strategic Analysis //  Resources For Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMEs) // Resources for UK Impact Organizations

Social entrepreneurs, the world needs you now more than ever.

As innovators who have dedicated yourselves to helping the world’s most vulnerable people and communities, your knowledge and passionate dedication to equitably and sustainably solving social challenges will be invaluable in this time of global vulnerability.
We know that entrepreneurs around the world are finding themselves up against new obstacles in the midst of the growing COVID-19 crisis. To support you, your businesses, and your critically important work we have curated a list of helpful online sources of information and resources for social ventures.

COVID-19 Information and Guidance for Business Owners

Emergency Funding Sources

Networks

  • MicroMentor, a project of Mercy Corps, is pledging to support 100,000 entrepreneurs around the world with the mentoring support they need to recover emotionally and financially from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit their COVID-19 Resource Center at micromentor.org/coronavirus-and-small-business/ to learn more and sign up to receive mentoring.
  • The World Economic Forum, with support from the World Health Organization, has created a COVID Action Platform.
    • Because they believe that, “only coordinated action by business, combined with global, multi-stakeholder cooperation – at exceptional scale and speed – can potentially mitigate the risk and impact of this unprecedented crisis” they have created a global platform to convene the business community for collective action to protect people’s livelihoods and facilitate business continuity, and mobilize support for the COVID-19 response.”
  • The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) has created a page on their website that details ANDE’s Response to COVID-19
    • This page provides information on ANDE’s organizational plans and protocols and a list of helpful resources on COVID-19.
  • SOCAP will be drawing upon our networks of impact investors, social entrepreneurs, and leaders in the impact space to offer ongoing information and support including entrepreneur focused virtual experiences. Details coming soon. Follow @SOCAPmarkets on Twitter, visit our Facebook page, or sign up for our email list to stay connected and receive updates.

Strategic Analysis

  • McKinsey has produced a COVID-19 Briefing Note that:
    • Covers the current situation
    • Presents possible future scenarios
    • Suggestions actions that companies should consider taking now to protect employees, engage customers, stabilize supply chains, and
    • Provides “leading indicator” dashboards for China, Middle East, Europe, The Americas, and South Asia

Resources For Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMEs)

Resources for UK Impact Organizations

More to Come

Social Entrepreneurs have always been at the heart of SOCAP. We will be reaching out to our past scholarship recipients to learn more about your needs and continue to provide you with trustworthy, helpful information and valuable resources. If you are not already, sign up for our email list to receive the latest news and resources direct to your in-box.
We want to hear from you! If you have information you want to get out to this community, visit our How to Write for SOCAP page.
If you have a website or other resource that should be listed here that is not mentioned, please email info@socialcapitalmarkets.net. We will continue to update this post as we discover new resources.

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