Six Social Entrepreneurs Shortlisted – Going to a Vote

Thursday, 28 April 2016, 5:22 pm
Press Release: Akina Foundation

28 April 2016

Six Social Entrepreneurs Shortlisted – Going to a Vote

It’s been tough to get the shortlist down to six for the Rotary Club of Newmarket Social Enterprise Kick-start Award, run in conjunction with the Ākina Foundation.

The award provides an Auckland region based social enterprise with $10,000 in cash.

Ākina Foundation Chief Executive Alex Hannant said they received 20 applications, submitted as three-minute videos.

“There is a real diversity of ideas, approach and experience in the shortlist, covering employment, health care, community development, education and environmental issues,” he said.

Rotary Newmarket’s President Patrick Learmonth said their members may also be available to support the successful ventures.

“As well as providing a cash injection at a time when it makes a real difference, Rotary members may offer ongoing support. That’s part of the reason we have a vote by members – it creates opportunities for connections. We want to open doors to our networks, plus we may be able to provide advice on accessing markets and technical support and even mentoring”, said Mr Learmonth.

Mr Hannant said the Ākina team was excited about this new opportunity to support social enterprise thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of the Rotary Club of Newmarket.

“We are hopeful this successful partnership will challenge other services groups to get in behind social enterprise as a innovative way to approach our complex social and environmental challenges,” said Mr Hannant.

The winner will be announced at a Rotary event on 10 May, after a presentation of the shortlisted videos and a vote by Rotary members.

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