Hormoz writes about delivering a keynote speech at CHANGEMAKERS - showcasing refugee-led Social Enterprises & Non-profits.

You know those emails which come out of the blue but which hit the right mark?



I was delighted to receive such an email on a damp day in February, from Emily Darko, the Director of Research at Social Enterprise UK (SEUK). We have been SEUK members for a year and this has given us a few opportunities to showcase the work that we have done. This is another one of these opportunities; I’ve been asked to be a keynote speaker at an important and, what has proven to be a popular event.

Emily was introducing me to Fred Kastner Director, Social Innovation at TERN, an organisation which, to quote them, ‘enables refugees to thrive through the power of their own ideas.’ The two organisations are partnering to arrange a brand new event called CHANGEMAKERS, which is a virtual fair showcasing social start-ups by refugee founders. TERN supports refugee social entrepreneurs to start and develop their businesses.

The aim is to welcome the new founders to the social impact scene, hear about their solutions for communities and the planet, and find ways to engage and collaborate with new contacts.

CHANGEMAKERS will launch social start-ups across 5 themes:

• Advocacy
• Community empowerment
• Creating livelihoods
• Green & digital innovation
• Sustainable crafts

I have been asked to base my 15 minute keynote around my story, the development and impact of Result CIC and the rewards, together with the challenges, of being a social entrepreneur.

This promises to be an exciting and enriching event. Having had a glimpse of some of the innovative ideas from the CHANGEMAKERS, I cannot wait to be part of it.

It's free to attend and takes place online on the 8th of April from 15:00-17:00. 

Find out more and book a place here.