Entrepreneurship for the Nature-based Enterprise - Micro-credential

Overview

Who should take this MC?

• This micro-credential has been developed to benefit Social Entrepreneurs, managers and leaders of NGO’s and Nature-based Enterprises together with CSR / Sustainability managers from large organisations who are looking to partner with Nature-based Enterprises as a part of their sustainability and climate action agenda

Why should I take this MC?

• There is an increasing demand for the further professionalisation of leadership and management capability within nature-based enterprises and other social enterprises as collaboration with private business, funds providers and government agencies continues to develop.

• Leaders and managers within NGO’s, Social Enterprises and Nature Based Enterprises need to practice the same rigour as their counterparts in private business in business planning, implementation, and strategy execution. 

• A professionalised approach to social and nature-based entrepreneurship ensures a higher success rate among start-ups, better efficacy in attracting & generating revenue as well as in creating impact.

• The programme also provides context and a framework for Corporate Affairs, CSR & Sustainability managers in industry for collaboration with nature-based enterprises and social enterprises in order to deliver on their ESG strategies. 

• Trinity Business School is responsible for delivering and managing this module as a micro-credential which will be offered to students here in Ireland and others in Europe.  This module is one of several modules being offered under a European Knowledge Alliance on Urban Forestry – coordinated by Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI).  

When can I start this MC?

There is one intake per year in February 

What do I need? – Entry requirements & Prerequisite documents

• The course will be open to graduates with a degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record in any discipline from a recognised third level institution.  

• Applicants without a degree are welcome to apply provided they can show a proven managerial track record. All applicants are required to have a minimum of 3 years professional or managerial work experience.  

• All applicants should provide their CV which will be used to select the most suitable candidates. Telephone interviews may be conducted to clarify applicants’ motivation and interest in the programme.  

• Language requirements for students whose first language is not English are IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL IBT 90 for non-native English speakers. 

• In case of heavy competition for places or concern regarding a particular applicant’s suitability, applicants may be interviewed or asked to submit a written sample for assessment. 

What will I learn? 

• To identify opportunities for sustainable social and environmental impact via the establishment of Nature-based Enterprises.

• To assess market opportunity and the dynamics underlying the formation and growth of entrepreneurial ventures and financial landscapes. 

• To design a business plan for the development and the growth of a nature-based enterprise to address sustainability issues and measure the results during the process.

• To communicate and present entrepreneurial concepts, plans and analyses with an ability to define revenue forecasting and budgeting to implement for business ideas as well as the Go-to-Market Strategy to launch products/solutions to the market.

What will I do? 

• Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and strategy and will apply these to a project in which they will undertake independent research to identify opportunities for addressing social and environmental issues through the development of a Nature-based Enterprise.

How is this MC delivered?

• This course will be delivered online on Blackboard over a 12 week period.

• The course will consist of a total of six sessions, which will be lecture-led synchronous sessions of 3 hours each incorporating lectures, participant discussion, group work, in-class quizzes, webinars, guest-lectures and final presentation of the project.

• Each session will also include a self-assessment – generally scenario-based multiple-choice quizzes – to ensure that they are progressing in their understanding of the module material.

How is this MC assessed? 

• Business Plan for the proposed Nature-based Enterprise (Group project) (70%)

• Business idea presentation (Group project) (15%)

• Class participation (Individual assessment) (15%)