We currently have capacity to partner on a new support programme for AW 2025
Emerging leaders programme
Social Enterprise Business Mentoring
When you join the Colliers Emerging Leaders Action Group (ELAG) programme you will be tasked with various 'live' business challenges, including with a community organisation - or a we call them, a social enterprise. These are generally small 'profit with purpose' organisations who sell products and services that benefit society, create systems change and/or protect the planet. They will come with a commercial challenge, often to grow B2B sales, build organisational structure, develop leadership or managerial skills, or create a marketing plan. In the role of mentor, ELAG participants will work in pairs to support their mentee over a number of months to solve one or two critical challenges in these areas.
What's involved?
In the role of mentor, you will be expected to provide 8+ mentoring sessions between April to November to your social enterprise. They are typically one hour, but could be longer or shorter depending on requirements. On average you will be expected to provide approx 2-3 hours per month of support each (overall 4-6 hours per month per mentoring pair). There is an expectation that you will attend every mentoring session that is organised by you with your matched social enterprise, together in your pairs. You'll set up regular mentoring check-ins with your mentee, and work with them to support them, with the same level of professionalism as you would any client.
Mentoring Summary & Key Dates
- At least 1 hour per month virtual mentoring sessions with your social enterprise client
- Approx. 2-3 hours per month 'behind the scenes' support - checking documents, feedback on proposals, supporting with pre agreed tasks where applicable
- Additional support and coaching from the award-winning Regenerous team
- 3 x full day group sessions throughout the duration of the programme
- 2 hour virtual training session at the start
- Written reflection exercises (set throughout the programme) for self awareness and professional development
There will also be an in person meet & greet with your social enterprise at the kick off event at Rowhill Grange (date to be announced shortly). The programme will be running Feb/March 2025 through to November 2025:
- Virtual Training Session (March 2025 - date TBA)
- Kick Off Event (Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th April 2025)
We will update the dates and times in early 2025.
previous social enterprises
Plant One Cornwall
Plant One started out with the mission ‘if everyone planted one tree the impact and environmental change would be huge’. As they’ve evolved, planting trees is now just the first step. Not only committed to getting trees in the ground, they also manage and caring for them for a minimum of five years, nurturing saplings to new woodlands whilst creating vital habitats that benefit nature and the community. Their mentors Paul and Janek, supported founder Carl with brand development support over 9 months. Part of this involved Carl delivering a mock pitch at the Colliers London HQ, and Bristol based Janek spent the day tree planting with them in Cornwall.
Wonder Consultancy
Wonder are a team of the UK’s most curious and diverse sustainability and social equity change-makers. They founded in early 2024, and received two mentors from Colliers to support them with a range of start-up tasks, from building their website to thinking through client strategy. Mentor Georgia, said that it felt like being an angel investor at the start - getting stuck in right at the very start of a new venture. They felt he could advise on tendering processes for procurement, and Alex, their second mentor, felt the stretch when offering to help build their new website, something he'd never done before. "I'm learning all the time", said Alex.
The Saltways
The Saltways, founded by Emma Bracegirdle, create ethical and authentic films and animations with the third sector. and needed support with marketing strategy and some implementational ideas for comms. Her mentors also helped her with her time management and some human resources challenges. Her mentors Kim and Georgina showed her how they do things at Colliers and made it relevent to what she's doing. Emma said, "I've gone from thinking my business could work, to thinking its definitely working."
Spark the Difference
Spark the Difference are a social enterprise who help theri clients understand, and act, on what matters to people who give and receive public services. Their work builds a future where there are open, kind and fair interactions, for all. The founder Sam, received sounding board support from Charles and Shayla over 9 months. Sam also found the mentoring really helpful in renegotating her lease at a critical time for the business.