BU6019 Sustainable entrepreneurship Session 4 Special interest groups (1)

So....WHAT really IS A SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG)? Please discuss this in pairs!

Suggested answers: A SIG can be defined as: A group of people (or a community) with a special interest in a specific area A group of people with similar interests, who meet to share knowledge - and sometimes organise conferences A group of people (or a community) who wish to find solutions to problems and perhaps “lobby” particular issues!

Consider: It’s good to think! As part of the “Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship(ISBE)”, a SIG called: The Social and Sustainable Enterprise Network(SSEN) was formed!

The aims of the “ssen” sig: To encourage the exchange of knowledge between entrepreneurs, researchers and government departments To encourage further research and provide information To support career development of its members To encourage “new thinking” and policy making surrounding entrepreneurship

The isbe “Entrepreneurship studies network” This is another example of a SIG! It aims to: Promote entrepreneurship theories Encourage entrepreneurship studies mini-conferences Encourage the creation of entrepreneurship forums and networking Promote and encourage the study of enterprise to assist real life practices

And…another example! The Gender and Enterprise Network (GEN) It aims to: Promote research on the relationships between entrepreneurship and gender Understand how entrepreneurship experiences may be different for men and women operating in business

In small groups, discuss and create a SIG of your own! activity In small groups, discuss and create a SIG of your own!