Making Waves

Making Waves

65

A Caribbean Social Innovation Guide

Find Support and Resources Step 6 What do you need to move forward?

03 . The Caribbean Social Innovator’s Guide

Things to Consider Imagine that you have completed all the other steps but think, “I can’t start until I get funded.” Before putting your idea on hold, ask yourself what you really need today. Funding can help, but it is not always the first resource you need. Sometimes the right conversation or partnership can move your idea forward just as much or further than the anticipated financial support.

Every social innovation needs resources, but those resources are not always financial. You may also need advice, training, introductions, research, technology, equipment, volunteers, workspace or help strengthening your organisation. As your idea grows, you can build on what you have by accessing training, grants, loans, competitions, incubators, accelerators, partnerships and other forms of support. The key is to understand what you need now, what can wait until later and where you are most likely to find the right support. Could you begin by testing your idea with a small group? Is there someone who could mentor you? Could you borrow equipment, use a community space or partner with an organisation already working in the area? Are there skills you could learn through a free workshop or online course?

Many successful social innovations begin by making the most of the resources that are already within reach.

• What resources do I already have? • What resources do I need most right now? • Which needs are essential, and which can wait?

• Who could mentor, advise or introduce me to others? • If I received funding tomorrow, what would I do first? • What partnerships could help me access resources I do not yet have? • Are there grants, loans, incubators or training programmes that fit my stage of development? • What is the smallest next step I can take with the resources I already have?

This step is about understanding what you need now, what can come later and where you might find the support to keep your idea moving. Different types of support may fit different stages of your journey. Money matters, but so do knowledge, mentors, partnerships, equipment, volunteers, networks and community support.