During the spring of 2018, a team of four Co.Act members (Allison Pyo, Christine You, Stephanie Nam, Elizabeth Nguyen) represented the youngest group to ever participate in the UCLA Social Enterprise Academy.

 

In today’s economy almost every nonprofit organization is looking for new ways to increase their income and their impact.  Since 2011, the UCLA Social Enterprise Academy has helped over 40 local nonprofits develop social enterprises.  In partnership with the Department of Economics, the Academies of Social Entrepreneurship, and Partnership UCLA / Alumni Career Programs, this six-month, award-winning program connects undergraduate students with nonprofit organizations to identify earned income opportunities for each of their nonprofit organization.

 

Over Winter and Spring Quarters, students work directly with nonprofit organizations to develop earned income opportunities for the organization. Teams of five students are assigned to each nonprofit. Students will work closely with the leadership of one organization as consultants to develop the best enterprise idea, conduct market research, create a business plan, and pitch the venture to compete for cash and pro bono prizes. The program combines teamwork, expert training and individualized coaching in a comprehensive approach to help develop successful social enterprises.

 

During this experience, Co.Act not only had the chance to create a business idea and win funds, but also had the opportunity to learn from many other non-profit leaders and entrepreneurs. We are excited to participate in other opportunities such as this in the future as well!