We take applications from social entrepreneurs all over the world annually between 1 – 31 March. Each and every applicant is gunning for the same thing; Money, Mentoring and Muscle support to bring their people-helping business idea to life. Here are five top tips to help YOU stand out amongst the other applicants. Happy reading, and good luck!
Tip 1: Get familiar.
It might sound simple, but it’s one of the best tips we can offer: get familiar with All Good Ventures and whether your social enterprise idea qualifies for our support. The best way to do this is to thoroughly browse our website, including our apply webpage which lists four simple but specific application criteria. This way, you’ll know upfront whether to go ahead with your detailed application (naturally this can be a time consuming task), or whether you’re better to seek support elsewhere. If you have any questions after browsing our website, please reach out to us; we’re always happy to help.
Tip 2: Think 'financial sustainability'.
It’s very important to our founders that we fund/support financially sustainable ideas; so much so that it’s one of our application criteria! By “financially sustainable”, we mean that once set up and established, the product or service your social enterprise offers needs to cover your costs AND have the potential for eventually returning a profit for the benefit of people in need. Our advice? Keep this in mind as you complete your application; making sure to tell us in detail about your plan for financial sustainability and include any budgeting work you may have already done. Section 5, question 1 in the application form is the place to do this.
Tip 3: Be clear WHO you’re supporting.
As you’re hopefully aware, we only fund/support ideas that will use cashflow or eventual profits to bring freedom to people who really need it. This is so important to us that we’ve made “using profits for freedom” one of our four application criteria. With this in mind, our tip is to make sure you provide good detail in your application about the people group you intend to support; where are they based, from what kind of deprivation do they suffer (for example, poverty, slavery, lack of education or nutrition), and how is this affecting their lives? Use as much data/as many statistics as possible. This will help us thoroughly understand the need your social enterprise is serving. Section 5, question 2 in the application form is the place to do this.
Tip 4: Proof, proof, proof.
A quick tip, but one worth mentioning. Before hitting send, go through your application form and make sure you’ve answered every question as best you can. The devil is in the detail. And remember, if you can’t complete your form in one sitting or need to take a break, that’s fine! Your application will automatically save as a draft for 30 days. This means you don’t have to worry about starting over the next time you open your it. Read more about autosaving your form, including how to re-access your draft.
Tip 5: Don’t be late!
Our fifth and final tip is to ensure you make the application deadline of 31 March. If you’re a procrastinator (like some of us!), it might help to set yourself a reminder a good few days before the end of March. Unfortunately we don’t accept applications after this date, as we like to get straight into the assessment process - reading through your wonderful business ideas takes some time (and is so worth every minute)!
Now you’ve read our hot tips, you’re ready to start your application! We can’t wait to be inspired by your people-helping business idea. All the very best, from the All Good Ventures team.
