Singapore International Foundation

1. What is the SIF Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) programme?
2. What will participants learn from the programme?
3. Who are the speakers?
4. Who is the programme for?
5. I am currently a student. Do I need to be from any business-related discipline to apply for the programme?
6. What will I gain from the programme?
7. How do I to apply?
8. If I am selected for the programme, how much will it cost me to participate?
9. Will I still be eligible for the programme if I already have an existing social enterprise?
10. How do I get updates on the programme?

1. What is the SIF Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) programme?

The SIF Young Social Entrepreneurs programme is a five-day in-residence “boot camp” which aims to build the capacity of youth who want to bring positive change to the communities in the region through social entrepreneurship. Programme participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts in this field, exchange ideas and build a network of innovative and compassionate fellow young social entrepreneurs.

2. What will participants learn from the programme?

The modules of the YSE include:

Business Plan Assessment and Survival Tips – analysis and evaluation of business plan components such as operations, marketing, financials and management with the aim of helping participants ensure feasibility and sustainability of the business idea. Survival tips will help participants better appreciate how to deal with challenges as they set up their enterprises.

Social Impact Assessment – Looks into a systematic evaluation of the impacts that the business idea will have on the community.

Fundraising – Explores various fundraising options.

Enterprise Structure – Looks in to the importance of choosing the right legal structure for the social enterprise, be it not-for-profit, for-profit, etc.

Pitching skills – Learning and practisingeffective communication skills and techniques to win the support of stakeholders, potential partners and funders.

Leadership Skills – Developing the ability to lead and manage teams and people, necessary skills that are essential for running a successful social enterprise.

3. Who are the speakers?

• Amb Ong Keng Yong (Guest speaker), Director of Institute of Policy Studies and Former Secretary-General of ASEAN
• Ms Elim Chew (Opening speaker), Founder and president of 77th Street and SIF Governor
• Ms Nancy Frohman, Director, Columbia Business School
• Ms Sarah Mavrinac, President, aidha
• Mr Alfie Othman, Managing Director, Ikhlas Holdings
• Ms Durreen Shahnaz, Founder and Chairman of Impact Investment and Exchange Asia

4. Who is the programme for?

The SIF Young Social Entrepreneurs programme is designed for Asian youth that are currently studying or staying in Singapore, have a keen interest in social entrepreneurship and a desire to bring about positive change in the region. Participants must be between 18 to 25 years old and Asian nationals (including Singaporeans). Participants must be proficient in English.

5. I am currently a student. Do I need to be from any business-related discipline to apply for the programme?

The programme is open to students from any discipline.

6. What will I gain from the programme?

Participants can expect to have:

• an increased knowledge and understanding of Social Enterprise in Asia and its challenges
• a valuable cross-cultural learning
• an opportunity to have direct interaction with speakers
• professional support and mentoring from speakers
• an opportunity to compete for the $3,000 top prize for the best business plan and pitch

7. How do I apply for the programme?

Interested participants are to apply as team of 3 or 4 members and submit a 3-page business plan for a social enterprise that effectively addresses a community development need. Log on to www.sif.org.sg for more information.

8. If I am selected for the porgramme, how much will it cost me to participate?

The programme fee is borne by the Singapore International Foundation for the selected participants. The fee includes lodging (5D 4N @ Fort Canning Lodge), meals (excluding dinner), speakers’ fee, programme materials and a programme t-shirt.

However, participants selected for the programme are required to provide a deposit of $100 per person before the start of the programme. This deposit will be fully refunded upon successful completion of the programme.

9. Will I still be eligible for the programme if I already have an existing social enterprise?

Yes. However the social enterprise you own should not be established more than 2 years.

10. How do I get updates on the programme?

Please join the YSE Facebook group.