It’s been a year since the SIF’s Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) 2010 programme ended, and many of the groups who participated have gone on to develop their social enterprises. We take a look at SIF’s social innovators and how they are helping to build a better world.

YUMMAY

This group of three students from the School of Humanities of Ngee Ann Polytechnic initially hoped to start a café which employed the intellectually-disabled. After attending YSE, they decided to alter their business model following feedback from the judges highlighting the challenges they would face.

After consultations with industry experts from various industries, YUMMAY came up with the idea of a social enterprise that aims to sell healthier fast food and help underprivileged youths through employment and development. Financially assisted students are given first hand priority to work in the fast food stall in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, so as to help them make ends meet. Each employee is equipped and empowered to enhance the lives of others. This is done through lifeskills training, community service and opportunities for them to acquire entrepreneurship skills. Employees are also guided to launch their own community service projects to help and mentor underprivileged youths.

After spending the last year working on the specifics of their business, the girls of YUMMAY are finally ready to launch their fast food kiosk in April 2011.

On how YSE has helped Yummay, member Glory Tan explains that the programme helped the group firm up its business and social model, as they were taught the theory of change.

“It showed us how social change can be measurable, and that we need measurable outcomes (social ROI) to account to our stakeholders as well. Having a viable business model has been a great asset, especially when approaching potential investors.”

* Click here to find out more about the SIF's Young Social Entrepreneurs programme.