Cornwall social entrepreneurs celebrate achievements

On 12 February, the achievements of 15 of Cornwall’s social entrepreneurs were recognized at a celebration at the Eden Project. Each entrepreneur completed a year of tailored support and development for the organizations they have established through a programme co-financed by the European Social Fund. Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project and Patron of the Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) believes social enterprise has great relevance in an emerging post recession world as it recognizes community needs, the environmental impacts of business and the responsible social role business should play.

The social entrepreneurs come from diverse backgrounds and work on a range of projects. Some of the graduating projects include 1) Caroline Driver’s fair trade business, Llamarama, which reduces poverty through bringing talented artisans’ products to profitable international markets, 2) Jan Yeoman’s ZOOP project promoting sustainable living to families with children under 5 and 3) Jane Opie’s Smart Savings, a locally managed social enterprise providing professional and ethical financial services to disadvantaged communities with a specific focus on claims management.

The Cornwall SSE is a partner in Cornwall Works for Social Enterprise, supported by ESF Convergence investment and led by Cornwall Council. The school is a vital addition to the capacity of Cornwall and the Eden Project is proud to be a supporter.