The Social Enterprise Academy held the first “Scotland:China Impact Link” learning program on April 15 and 16 in Beijing. 32 people from 10 provinces working in the social enterprise sector attended the two-day event.
The Impact Link program was launched after the First Minister of Scotland visited China last year. The aims of the program include improving the skills of Chinese social entrepreneurs, bringing both international experience and local expertise into the social enterprise support system, providing systematic study and development programs, and creating an international forum for outstanding domestic social enterprises.
Sam Baumber, the director of the Scotland Social Enterprise Academy and creator of seven social enterprises, led the program’s workshops. The first topic explored was leadership, and how leaders can become more active and resourceful within their organizations and communities. This was chosen as the first topic because in an innovative sector like social enterprises, entrepreneurs constantly face challenges and opportunities. Other topics included successful Scottish and international experiences of social enterprise, market development and sustainable financing.
