Training Course on Social Entrepreneurship in Rural Economies for Business Mentors

Course Outline

 

Module 1: Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship in Rural Contexts

ü  Defining social entrepreneurship: mission, impact, revenue generation

ü  Unique characteristics and challenges of rural economies

ü  Opportunities for social innovation in rural areas (e.g., agriculture, renewable energy, tourism)

ü  The role of business mentors in fostering social entrepreneurship

ü  Examples of successful rural social enterprises globally

ü  Practical Session: Brainstorming social problems prevalent in rural economies and initial ideas for social enterprises to address them.

Module 2: Identifying Rural Social Needs and Market Opportunities

ü  Techniques for needs assessment in rural communities

ü  Market research methods suitable for rural settings (e.g., participatory market appraisal)

ü  Identifying underserved markets and value chain gaps

ü  Linking social needs with potential business opportunities

ü  Understanding the target beneficiaries as customers/stakeholders

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a mini-market opportunity analysis for a selected rural social problem.

Module 3: Developing Inclusive Business Models for Rural Economies

ü  Introduction to the Business Model Canvas adapted for social enterprises

ü  Value proposition design for rural beneficiaries and customers

ü  Revenue models appropriate for low-income populations

ü  Key partners and activities in rural value chains

ü  Ensuring inclusivity and benefit sharing with local communities

ü  Practical Session: Developing a lean canvas or basic business model canvas for a rural social enterprise idea.

Module 4: Market Assessment and Feasibility for Rural Ventures

ü  Conducting primary and secondary market research in rural areas

ü  Assessing demand, competition, and market size

ü  Financial feasibility analysis: startup costs, projections, break-even analysis

ü  Operational feasibility: logistics, human resources, infrastructure

ü  Identifying critical success factors for rural social enterprises

ü  Practical Session: Creating a simple financial projection for a rural social enterprise concept.

Module 5: Resource Mobilization and Funding for Social Enterprises

ü  Diverse funding sources for social enterprises: grants, impact investment, debt, equity

ü  Crafting compelling proposals and pitch decks for social investors

ü  Grant writing strategies for non-profit components

ü  Accessing microfinance and traditional loans in rural areas

ü  Leveraging non-financial resources: partnerships, volunteers, in-kind contributions

ü  Practical Session: Developing a compelling 5-minute pitch for a rural social enterprise, focusing on both social impact and financial viability.

Module 6: Navigating the Rural Ecosystem and Policy Environment

ü  Understanding rural infrastructure challenges (transport, energy, connectivity)

ü  Navigating local governance, regulations, and policies

ü  Building relationships with local authorities and community leaders

ü  Supply chain management in rural contexts

ü  Addressing human capital challenges in remote areas

ü  Practical Session: Identifying key policy barriers and potential support mechanisms for a rural social enterprise operating in a specific sector.

Module 7: Measuring and Articulating Social Impact in Rural Settings

ü  Introduction to social impact measurement frameworks (e.g., Theory of Change, SROI)

ü  Identifying key social and environmental indicators for rural contexts

ü  Data collection methods for impact measurement (quantitative and qualitative)

ü  Communicating impact effectively to stakeholders

ü  Avoiding "impact washing" and ensuring genuine social value

ü  Practical Session: Developing a basic Theory of Change for a rural social enterprise and identifying relevant impact indicators.

Module 8: Building Resilient and Scalable Rural Social Enterprises

ü  Strategies for building operational resilience in rural environments

ü  Exploring different growth models for social enterprises (e.g., replication, franchising, aggregation)

ü  Diversifying revenue streams and minimizing risks

ü  Adapting business models for different rural contexts

ü  Succession planning and leadership development in social enterprises

ü  Practical Session: Discussing strategies for scaling a successful rural social enterprise to reach more beneficiaries.

Module 9: Mentoring Strategies for Rural Social Entrepreneurs

ü  Best practices in mentoring: active listening, guidance vs. telling, constructive feedback

ü  Tailoring mentoring approaches to the specific needs of rural entrepreneurs

ü  Addressing common challenges faced by rural social entrepreneurs (e.g., isolation, limited resources)

ü  Building a trusted mentor-mentee relationship

ü  Ethics and boundaries in mentoring

ü  Practical Session: Role-playing a mentorship session, addressing a specific challenge faced by a rural social entrepreneur.

Module 10: Fostering an Enabling Environment for Rural Social Innovation

ü  The role of support organizations (incubators, accelerators, networks)

ü  Advocating for policies that support rural social enterprises

ü  Facilitating access to markets, technology, and finance

ü  Creating collaborative platforms for learning and knowledge sharing

ü  Building a community of practice for rural social entrepreneurship

ü  Practical Session: Developing a plan for how an organization can contribute to fostering a more supportive ecosystem for rural social enterprises.

About the Trainers

The training will be delivered by a team of highly experienced Social Entrepreneurs, Business Development Specialists, Rural Development Consultants, and Impact Investors with extensive backgrounds in developing and supporting social enterprises in rural economies. Our trainers bring a wealth of practical strategies, hands-on experience with business model development and impact measurement, and deep insights into navigating the unique opportunities and challenges of rural markets. Their expertise ensures that participants gain cutting-edge knowledge and actionable skills to effectively mentor and empower rural social innovators.

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality, practical, and relevant training programs that empower professionals to excel in their roles and contribute significantly to the success of their organizations. Our courses are continually updated to reflect the latest industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737566961

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961