According to the Collins Dictionary, a Social Enterprise is “a business organization that works to benefit society as a whole”. This is the key focus of the Youth for Causes program, run by Osaka YMCA Global Department in collaboration with the Osaka YMCA International Business College.
For many students, Youth for Causes is the first time they have considered that business can do good. Having recently become core curriculum for the college, the program is designed to encourage students to research social issues that they are passionate about, throw their support behind established charities, or create their own. This program provides students with a living example of how the application of commercial business strategy can actually make extensive social impact - that profit can be for purpose.
Students are taught the fundamentals of business, guided through creating a projected budget and mapping projected profits for their new venture. They are charged with sourcing their own suppliers and negotiating prices and contacts.
Financial sustainability is a key priority in this program, as evidenced through the program’s funding model. The ‘Y Bank’ acts as a lending service for the Youth for Causes companies, providing seed funding to get their ideas off the ground. This introduces students to what can be a harsh world of business loans and interest, but in a manageable and low risk way.
On July 9th, Youth for Causes startup ‘Seed’ met with the Y Bankers for their first pitch. The group of 5 students came prepared with full business plan in tow. Seed’s plan is simple, import sustainably made Eco Pencils from China and sell them for profit in Japan. These pencils are 100% sustainably made and contain lavender and sunflower seeds that can be planted after the pencil has been used. Seed has chosen to align their company with the ‘Khmer Students Association in Kansai Area’ (KSAK). KSAK is a Cambodian organization that raises funds to improve educational outcomes in Cambodia. They assist in teaching student’s literature and art at Oh Tek Tiar Primary School. Seed have boldly committed to donating 50% of their profits to KSAK, with the remaining 50% to be reinvested back into the company. After an inspiring pitch, the Y Bankers told the excited group they have secured their funding and will be able to launch their company.
Teaching entrepreneurship, financial skills and social awareness; Youth for Causes’ goal is to encourage students of Osaka YMCA International Business College to think outside the norm and forge their own path in the business world, one that elevates human and environmental well-being.
Youth for Causes will be expanding and could be delivered at your School or University. For more information on Youth for Causes and the work of Osaka YMCA, and to get involved, contact Dominic Pangrazio at the Global Department of Osaka YMCA.
1-5-6 Tosabori Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan
TEL: +81-6-6441-5088
E-Mail: global-engagement@osakaymca.org
Website: https://global-engagement.wixsite.com/globaldepartmentblog/gyc