SIX MONTHS DISTANCE LEARNING DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (DSE)

1. Why is this Diploma through Distance Learning?
   Everyone has a desire to do something for the society but they do not know how to do it. Also, people are not aware that it is possible to learn about how to start a for-profit social business in your own location that is why EDI has launched this unique program. This Distance Learning Diploma provides you with a unique opportunity to learn and start your own for-profit social business and contribute towards social development of our country.
2. What is Social Entrepreneurship?
   Social entrepreneurship means applying practical, innovative and sustainable approaches to benefit society in general, with an emphasis on those who are marginalized and poor.
3. What is a for-profit Social Enterprise?
   ‘For-profit social enterprise' is a business wherein one serves the society though a unique product/ service and also simultaneously earns profit from the operation. Their work is not similar to that of NGOs as although NGOs take up social service, they mainly depend on grants from government or donor agencies. However, usually incase of a for-profit social enterprise, the promoter invests 30% of the total cost of the project and seeks support for the remaining 70% through banks as per their terms and conditions. The purpose of starting such a business is to 'earn-profit as well as serve the society'.
   
   For example: A Young graduate started his courier service business in Bombay with two DEAF people and gradually moved on to employ more than 30 employees - all deaf. His business is, therefore, serving society and is also profit-making.
   
   For–Profit Social Enterprises are self-sustaining business models that maximize social returns as there is Replicability, Scalability, and Long-term Self-Sustainability, along with the clear objective of earning profit and reinvesting it for the growth and expansion instead of withdrawing it for the personal purpose. All NGOs that, by and large, survive on grants cannot be considered as social enterprises.
4. How is a Social Entrepreneurship different from a Business Entrepreneurship?
   • The purpose of the venture: Business entrepreneurs focus on building a business to earn profits while social entrepreneurs primarily focus on creating a social change.
   • Motive: Business Entrepreneurs are strong in ‘Need for Achievement’ and possess the passion to achieve personal goal. Social Entrepreneurs are concerned about society as also about earning profits from their venture and are, therefore, high on Achievement Motivation and also on Extension Motivation. They have the Passion to achieve a social mission but at the same time, approach their work with business-like discipline, innovation and a strong determination.
   • Change Agents: Successful business entrepreneurs are change agents and contribute to economic growth of a country. Social entrepreneurs are the change agents in the social sector. They are reformers and revolutionaries but with a social mission. They earn profit from their venture but social mission is what reigns in their mind.
5. Who can be called Social Entrepreneurs? What are their Traits? Everyone cannot become a social entrepreneur. Only those who possess certain traits can become a social entrepreneur. The traits of social entrepreneurs are as follows:
   • They identify and solve social problems and impact disadvantaged communities on a large scale
   • Seize opportunities to challenge and change inequitable systems, and are thus innovative in their product/services and approach.
6. Is it possible to identify such traits? How?
   Yes, it is possible. EDI has developed its own unique selection methodology which helps identify and select a potential social entrepreneur.
7. CAN NGOs SPONSOR THEIR EMPLOYEE?
   Yes, NGOs who are willing to create new legal identity as a ‘for-profit social business’ can sponsor their employees.
8. Is there any age limit?
   There is no age limit.
9. What are the criteria for selection?
   Graduates in any discipline or technical diploma holders who have a strong desire to set up for-profit social enterprise can join this course. However, conditions may be relaxed in special cases
10. What is taught in DSE?
    This distance learning Diploma is designed in a unique way to equip you with practical approaches for staring your social business immediately. Learners are provided with sufficient reading material for conceptual clarity. Case studies and self-learning exercises further strength the foundation. It also has a component of four weeks compulsory field work in for-profit social enterprises in addition to contact sessions at EDI and personal counseling from an experienced Mentor. Participants, who start a ‘for-profit social enterprise’ within 6 months of completion of the course, will be awarded ‘Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship’.
    
    It has six modules
    
    Module 1: Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship;
    Module 2: Traits and Characteristics of a Successful Social Entrepreneur,
    Module 3: Social Business Opportunity Identification and Selection;
    Module 4: Entrepreneurial Motivation, Extension Motivation and Soft Skill Competency Development;
    Module 5: Planning and Managing a Social Enterprise;
    Module 6: Business Plan Preparation and Obtaining Finance
    
    (Note: Module 4 and Module 6 will be taught at the time of contact session at EDI, Ahmedabad. However, International participants are exempted from contact sessions.)
11. General information about the course:
    1. How much time should I allocate daily to the course to get the best out of it?
       
       You are expected to give full time for this venture soon after you finish this diploma.
       
       Initially, while studying, it will require maximum 10 hours per week but you can take your own time to learn. Actual purpose is to start 'For profit social enterprise' to serve the society. It is therefore during this course you will select such business activity, plan and then start it as per your circumstances at location of your choice and with your resources.
       Mentors role will be to help you, motivate you and guide you to achieve whatever you wish to take up as a social business.
    2. Is there any field work/ project?
       Yes, a four weeks full time field work project will have to be completed by you in this course. In consultation with your mentor, you are required to identify a ‘for-profit social enterprise’ in and around your location. You will be judged by your field visit report and the certificate of the owner of the enterprise with whom you worked for four weeks full time.
       Four week full time field study is compulsory for this course and makes you eligible for contact sessions at EDI.
    3. When and where will the contact sessions held? Is contact session compulsory for all?
       After completing successfully the field work study, there will be a seven days contact session (self-funded, non-residential) will be held at EDI, Ahmedabad. Yes, Contact session is compulsory for all national participants. [International participants are exempted]
    4. What is unique about this course?
       This distance learning course has the Facility of Mentorship and personal counseling to each and every participant individually. Through email, telephone calls and through SKYPE etc, we expect participants to get necessary guidance and help for starting their social business
    5. How is the Social Business Plan will be funded and by whom?
       Soon after finalizing their respective business plans, participants are expected to approach banks and other financial institutions and apply for loan. Even social venture capitalists may provide funding support. There are ‘social development funds’ also from where funding support can be obtained. We do not expect participants to get Government funds or donations/grants from any other sources for starting their ‘for-profit social businesses’.
12. Where will be the exams held? What is the evaluation procedure?
    There are no exams but constant assessments will be done on the basis of assignments, field work report and the business plan. It is also because this is an application oriented course where the outcome is more important. Hence, one gets a certificate only if he/she sets up a social enterprise.
13. What is the expected outcome of this course?
    Expected outcome is that you must start a ‘for-profit social enterprise’ within six months after completion of this Diploma. If the participant starts a for-profit social enterprise within six months after completion of this diploma course, he/she will be awarded “Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship.”
14. How do I get admission?
    LAST DATE: Last date for application for admission is 15th September and 15th March respectively every year
    
    You may download the application form from www.ediindia.org
    Indian participants need to send duly filled in application by courier post along with a Demand Draft of Rs. 8500/- in the name of ‘EDI Ahmedabad, payable at Ahmedabad, Gujarat at the address given below.
    
    International participants may send duly filled-in application by courier post and transfer Fees of US$850 through your bank using our remittance details are provided separately.
15. Do I need to make full amount of fees at the time of application?
    Installment facility is not available and hence full payment needs to be made.
    FEES: Fee for six - month Diploma course is Rs.8500.00 to be paid at the time of registration along with Demand Draft in the name of "EDI Ahmedabad" Payable at Ahmedabad.
    For International Participants, fee is US$850 only EDI will provide remittance details to ensure telegraphic transfer of the fees.
16. Is there any scholarship or exemption in fee?
    No, there is no scholarship or exemption in fee.
17. For further details contact:
    Click Here

©2009 This website designed and developed by Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Ahmedabad