The Era of Responsibility

Events of the past year have Americans asking whether the U.S. economy encourages fair or foul play. The collapse of financial institutions has led many to question the values our economy is built on. Is the market serving the needs of all Americans, especially low- and moderate-income people? As a nation and community, we have a unique opportunity to reconsider what is important and worth investing in.

Taking Action

You’re invited to participate in the July 9th Responsible Economy Roundtable because you’re interested in discovering new ways to create a more equitable and ‘responsible’ economy. Our focus is on scaling-up good ideas and supporting social enterprises run by low and moderate-income persons.

The Goal

A key strategy is to promote new models and values for how business operates. In the case of the Roundtable this means growing the number of social entrepreneurs. These are “triple bottom line” (financial, social and environmental) businesses that use market-based strategies to advance a social mission, while generating revenue.

The Roundtable is dedicated to supporting the next generation of Denver-area social entrepreneurs from underserved communities, who have the talent and vision, but lack the necessary resources to sustain and scale their ventures. The goal is to connect these innovative people and their good ideas to business leaders and civic organizations with resources.

The Roundtable looks to serve as a forum for low-moderate income entrepreneurs to present their game-changing ideas and seek support (mentoring, business development and seed funding) from more mature, socially responsible businesses. The intended outcome is the emergence of new self-sustaining enterprises that generate revenue, while creating good jobs and wealth within historically marginalized communities.

Coming Together

This is an ‘all hands on deck’ moment.  The economic and social challenges we face here in Colorado and across the nation are beyond the problem-solving ability of one sector.

The July 9th Roundtable will bring together people from different walks of life: business, social entrepreneurs, non-profits, government, unions, venture capital, foundations, faith and academic institutions.

Objectives

• Support young aspiring social entrepreneurs to advance their business ideas.
• Develop a common understanding of the concept of a ‘responsible’ economy in Denver, and the role that social entrepreneurs play in building such an economy.
• Determine the appropriate measurements of success for a social entrepreneur as they help build a vibrant business and greener economy.
• Learn about triple bottom line business practices and how they can be expanded.
• Explore ‘values-based’ mentoring and training programs that link aspiring low-moderate income social entrepreneurs with progressive businesspeople.
• Accelerate and help strengthen existing networks of social innovators, private companies and community leaders working to build a responsible economy.
• Develop new funding mechanisms to support low-income social entrepreneurs.

 
Organization

The Roundtable is organized by The Progress Group LLC, a Denver-based company run by Richard Eidlin. Our mission is to bring together business leaders, social entrepreneurs, non-profits, policy makers and faith leaders to nurture the connection between environmentally sound economic development and social enterprise.

Further Information or to Register:
Contact: Richard Eidlin, The Progress Group
303-478-0131 ~ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.proggroup.com

Supported by: