Striding Out is a community interest company that supports young social entrepreneurs to bring their start-up businesses into a reality.
Aimed at young adults, ages 18 to 30, Striding Out organizes workshops, business coaching and networking projects. Striding Out seeks to train ambitious and enthusiastic individuals who are looking to succeed in both the business world and the non-profit, community sector. With responsible business practices in terms of the community, the environment and the economy, Striding Out’s values reflect the social entrepreneurship community at large. The organization’s social responsibility policy includes creating and promoting a community network for young entrepreneurs, supporting young entrepreneurs in deprived areas, disability awareness, local community development, sourcing environmental packaging and products, and holding events at ethical venues. For instance, Striding Out has used Fifteen Restaurant in order to increase the organization’s social impact.
Founded in June 2005 by consultant and entrepreneur Heather Wilkinson, Striding Out received £10,000 from UnLtd in order to further enhance the business and fund launching costs. Currently, Striding Out receives support from a number of organizations including The British Library, The Hub, Social Enterprise London, UnLtd and NatWest. Wilkinson is currently the CEO and Chair of Striding Out. All profits are redirected back into Striding Out and its activities in order to support target beneficiaries. Striding Out has offices in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Striding Out’s innovative practices have not gone unnoticed by the business community. The organization has won numerous awards including the 2006 Social Enterprise Mentor of the Year, recognition as a Flagship Network Model by Enterprise Insight and the David Nicholas Award for Best Business Start-Up.
Striding Out’s services are divided into five streams: business support, career support, research and consulting, training and coaching skills, and leadership development. However, Striding Out develops a reciprocal relationship between client and business. The organization aims to inspire and be inspired by those that are part of this growing group.
Additional Photo Credits: Striding Out’s Flickr
Contact Information:
Striding Out Website
117 Waterloo Road
London
SE1 8UL
Telephone: 0845-452-4085
Innovative Training Centers
Striding Out Supports Young Social Entrepreneurs
Trend Themes
1. Social Entrepreneurship - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing innovative ways to support and empower young social entrepreneurs.
2. Youth Empowerment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating training programs that equip young adults with the skills and resources needed to succeed in both business and the non-profit sector.
3. Responsible Business Practices - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing platforms or tools that help businesses integrate social responsibility policies and practices into their operations.
Industry Implications
1. Social Enterprise - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Supporting the growth and development of social enterprises by providing resources and networking opportunities.
2. Education and Training - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transforming traditional education and training methods to better prepare young adults for entrepreneurship and social impact.
3. Sustainable Business - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating sustainable business models that prioritize social and environmental responsibility.