Social Enterprise

The goal of the Social Enterprise Program at First United is to provide members of the community with experience and success in a business / entrepreneurial environment.  Planning, structuring and running a business will give our members confidence that they will understand how a business works and what to do to keep the business viable.

We are also striving to develop viable businesses that will provide positive cash flow for the Mission.

We fully expect that some projects will provide both aspects of our initiative—training and experience for the community members and cash flow for the Mission.

Here are some of the initiatives we have currently identified:

  • “Bliss” Hot Sauce
  • Kommunik8 board game
  • First United Organic Coffee
  • Publishing documents

Social Driven Programs:

  • Native art show and sale
  • Manufacture and distribution of gourmet hot sauce.
  • Establishment of Thrift Shop for clothing
  • Lockers / Storage Space storage for carts and belongings.

Entrepreneurial Driven Programs:

  • Organic/fair trade coffee sales
  • Publishing and distribution of a book of sermons

Programs Driven by both Social Values and Entrepreneurial Values:

  • Manufacture and distribution of innovative Board Game
  • Event promotion within the Church
  • Rental of space within the Church building
  • Production and Marketing of exclusive ‘Bliss’ Hot Sauce

How does it work?

If the Social Enterprise staff can develop a reasonable business plan we will help finance startup costs and cost of establishing an inventory.  We will also train and assist with marketing.  The goal is to get the initial costs back and a small ongoing royalty for the church.

How do I get involved?

Time:

We need volunteers!  Starting any business is complex and time consuming.  Starting a dozen businesses all at once is impossible without a team of dedicated experts.  If you have the experience, the time and the passion to help, we need you!  Pick your project or make up your own and we will work with you to make it happen.

Money:

The projects we are considering are all relatively low cost of entry.  But even the simplest business needs seed money for basics like business cards, brochures, containers, tools and equipment, long distance calls and initial raw material purchases.

Ideas:

We do not pretend to have a corner on ideas.  In fact most of our ideas have come from the champions who want to market them.

Contact Us:

Tony Weall, Director of Social Enterprise, is a Professional Engineer with many years of  business experience.

First United Church
320 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC, V6A1P4

Phone: (604) 681-8365 Extension 110
Fax:     (604) 681-8928
E-mail:  tony.weall@firstunited.ca