In light of numerous social challenges, the Social Entrepreneurship Network Germany (SEND) was founded to actively address issues such as climate change, child and old-age poverty, the backlog of reforms in the education system, the integration of refugees, etc. The network aims to provide a platform for social entrepreneurship in Germany, represent the interests of social entrepreneurs, and support social innovations. Currently, a Crowdfunding campaign on Startnextto give the first steps a boost.
For over a year now, a "Social Entrepreneurship" working group under the umbrella of the German Startups Association (BVDS) has been working to improve the political framework. Within this framework, discussions were held with politicians, concepts for social innovation policy were developed, position papers were written, and a parliamentary evening was held with political representatives. However, those responsible realized that bringing about real change requires more than just volunteer work. So they decided to establish a powerful network: SEND.
Money needed for expansion and professionalization
The objectives of the network were defined as follows:
- Connecting the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Germany
- Establish specialist groups for exchange and qualification
- Support regional groups and initiatives
- Networking of social entrepreneurs with politics, welfare and business
- Increase the visibility of social entrepreneurs and their solutions
- Preparation of the needs for political interest representation via the BVDS
The club is Markus Sauerhammer as the first board member. After working at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria, he decided to move to the German capital and works for Startnext. The crowdfunding campaign for SEND is currently running on this very platform. The funds raised will initially be used to create permanent structures and professionalize the network. The primary goal is therefore to finance jobs to further expand the network and, of course, to support it accordingly.
