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 Alumni Career Engagement, 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.

Training is led by UCLA faculty, alumni, and industry professionals from the Academies of Social Entrepreneurship. Throughout the course of the program, students and local community organizations gain insight into:

• Idea Generation
• Market Research
• Financial Planning
• Business Planning

We are now accepting applications for Winter Quarter 2024 and Spring Quarter 2024. This year will be the 13th Academy of this innovative program. You can apply for the UCLA Social Enterprise Academy here.

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If you have any questions, please contact our office by submitting a message through our contact form or by emailing us at ace@support.ucla.edu.