Social Enterprise for a Day (or SE4D) is an annual two-day workshop that gives MSVU students in the Bachelor of Business Administration and Tourism and Hospitality Management programs a unique opportunity to learn about social enterprise while also problem-solving and raising money and awareness for local charities.

According to the Social Enterprise Network of Nova Scotia, “a social enterprise is a business operated to address social, cultural, environmental, or economic challenges. Most profits are reinvested to support that purpose.”

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Social Enterprise for a day is a program unique to MSVU. According to Business and Tourism Department Chair Dr. Peter Mombourquette, MSVU is currently the only university in Canada that holds such an event. Given the University’s long-standing and commitment to advancing social issues, the conference is highly anticipated each year.

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In 1995, while working at the Dartmouth Veterinary Hospital, Hope nursed an injured robin back to health after a cat had attacked it. Eventually, Hope started to take on more wildlife rehabilitation cases and, 25 years later, Hope for Wildlife now takes in roughly 4,500 injured animals each year and provides advice to others on helping their own wounded animals.

Day one of SE4D is dedicated to an introduction to the chosen charity and organizational issues it’s facing. In groups, students will then brainstorm solutions to the problems presented. After that, they will develop ideas which they can turn into social enterprises to raise money for the organization.

On day two, students have two and a half hours to raise money by turning their social enterprise ideas into action throughout the city of Halifax. After the allotted time has passed, all groups head back to MSVU to report on the experience and tally total funds raised.

In years past, students have developed innovative social enterprises. For example, students created a chalk art advertising campaign for local businesses. Students mapped out paths to restaurants and shops using chalk, and customers were offered discounts when they mentioned the chalk art. The companies paid for the services, and the money was donated to charity.

Social Enterprise for a day is a program unique to MSVU. According to Business and Tourism Department Chair Dr. Peter Mombourquette, MSVU is currently the only university in Canada that holds such an event. Given the University’s long-standing and commitment to advancing social issues, the conference is highly anticipated each year. It’s also made possible with the support of sponsors like the Nova Scotia government, the Centre for Women in Business, and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development.

This year will mark the 8th annual Social Enterprise for a Day event. Those interested in supporting the student social enterprises can find them from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout Halifax.

Learn more about the event