Digital portal set to boost start-up growth in Africa

A new online registration system has been launched at the World Investment Forum in order to boost business growth in parts of Africa and other emerging markets around the world. The Global Enterprise Registration initiative aims to simplify the often long and complicated process of registering a business, which usually involves multiple government agencies. 

Social investment to help solve care crisis for older people in UK

A new report released by Age UK and Big Society Capital reveals that urgent action is needed to allow social investment to play a leading role in solving issues in social care provision for older people. The 'Scaling up Solutions to Social Care' report calls for the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office to launch an Innovation Fund for Social Care, which would provide payment by results incentive for larger-scale investors. 

Social enterprise tourism takes off in Thailand

A new programme aimed at training disadvantaged local youths in culinary and restaurant skills has been launched by the Laguna Group in Thailand. The Seedlings initiative will see a group of 15 young adults embark on a mentoring programme that will ultimately result in the creation of a social enterprise restaurant in a Phuket holiday resort following the success of a similar successful initiative in Hoi An, Vietnam. 

White House calls upon sustainable business leaders in US

The American Sustainable Business Council is inviting sustainably-minded citizens to attend discussions at the White House and other locations in Washington D.C. to plan strategies for creating a greener, fairer economy. The discussions will take place after the midterm elections. 

Social innovators get together in Geneva

The Social Innovation and Global Ethics Forum has gathered more than 50 organisation from all over the world in Geneva, Switzerland to shape new ideas about how to meet social needs more effectively.

Political stamp of approval for UK football social enterprise

The Aston Villa Football Club Social Enterprise Academy has been celebrated at a House of Commons reception. The Academy teaches business skills through the context of learning how to run a football club and awards participants with the Social Enterprise Qualification – an internationally recognised qualification developed by Real Ideas Organisation and SFEDI. 

Aston Villa Footbal Club (AVFC) receive House of Commons award. Photo credit: AVFC

Hobbits, Dwarves and Orcs in 'most epic safety video ever made'

Air New Zealand has unveiled its latest safety video directed by Peter Jackson and featuring stars of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies including Elijah Wood. 

Five years breathing life into the UK's voluntary sector

The Clare Foundation – an organisation established to support charities and help them become more commercially savy – has celebrated its fifth anniversary. The Foundation was set up by Buckinghamshire entrepreneur Mike Clare and supports charities through training, mentoring, sharing best practice and networking.

Photo credit: Nigel Lo