Process

STEP 1: DEFINE YOUR SOCIAL IDEA

Start by choosing your idea. You can invent your own or use our sample idea (food surplus app). Write a short one-paragraph concept description: What problem does it solve? Who benefits? Why is it urgent?

Use ChatGPT to refine your idea.

Prompt: “Help me improve a social enterprise idea that [describe your idea]. Suggest enhancements to make it more impactful, sustainable, and scalable.”

Optional: Create a mood board with Canva AI to visualize your idea’s vibe and identity.

STEP 2: CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Feasibility means asking: Can this idea really work? You will analyze what is needed to bring it to life.

Research the resources needed:

• Technology (e.g., app developers)
• Human resources (volunteers, partners)
• Financial support – estimate funding requirements and potential sources (grants, crowdfunding, investors).
• Assess stakeholder readiness (are local communities or businesses on board?)

Leverage Jasper AI to draft an executive summary for your feasibility study.

Prompt: “Write an executive summary for a feasibility study on [your idea], focusing on resources, funding, and stakeholders.”

Tip: Use Simplilearn’s Feasibility Study Guide for structure.

STEP 3: DEFINE IMPACT METRICS

The goal of this task is to learn how to measure success and prove that your idea works. Why the metrics are important – outcome metrics are the foundation to aligning impact goals between funders, intermediaries and grantees/investee.

How to start: You should choose 4–5 meaningful Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Examples (based on the sample idea):

• Number of meals redirected to food banks
• Percentage of restaurants participating
• Reduction in food waste in pilot locations
• App user engagement rates
• Volunteer hours logged

Use Canva’s AI-powered Magic Write to create a clear, concise list of KPIs.

Prompt: “Generate a list of 5 measurable KPIs for a social enterprise focused on [your idea].”

Tip: Consult the Social Impact Metrics Guide for examples of social impact metrics. The tool provides an Actionable Impact Measurement Framework that helps you build your social impact measurement framework. This is a step-by-step social impact measurement framework from Groundworks to Impact Reporting.

STEP 4: PERFORM A SWOT ANALYSIS

Identify internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats for your social idea.

Use Lucidchart’s AI SWOT Generator to create a visual SWOT matrix. Alternatively, try Miro’s AI-powered brainstorming tools.

• Strengths: What advantages or unique assets do you have?
• Weaknesses: What’s missing—funding, team skills, awareness?
• Opportunities: Are there trends, partners, or technologies to leverage?
• Threats: What could derail your idea (competition, policy issues, resistance)?

You can also refer to Asana’s SWOT Analysis Guide for tips and for structure your thinking.

Tip: Use ChatGPT to get a first draft: “Create a SWOT analysis for a startup that connects food surplus to food banks.”

STEP 5: COMPILE YOUR VIABILITY REPORT

Now bring it all together in a professional document or visual presentation. When compiling your viability report follow this structure:

• Idea overview
• Feasibility summary
• KPIs
• SWOT analysis
• Final recommendation

Use Grammarly to polish your writing and ensure clarity. Enhance visuals with Canva for professional slides or infographics.

STEP 6: PITCH YOUR VIABILITY REPORT IN FRONT OF THE INVESTORS

At this point you have to communicate your idea persuasively in a short, structured pitch presentation. This is your moment to shine as a changemaker. Imagine your audience (your peers and the trainer) as potential impact investors, grant evaluators, or stakeholders from a social innovation fund.

Your pitch deck should include:

1. Hook (30 seconds): Start with a powerful statistic, story, or question.
2. Problem & Opportunity (1 min): What social need are you tackling? Use the SWOT analysis you made.
3. Solution (1 min): Your idea, why it’s innovative, and how it works.
4. Impact & Feasibility (1.5 min): Expected outcomes and how you’ll deliver.
5. KPIs & Sustainability (1 min): How will you track success and grow?
6. Call to Action (30 sec): What are you asking for? (Support, partnership, funding)

Tip: Follow these guidelines when preparing your pitch deck:

• Keep it under 5 minutes.
• Use visual slides from your Canva design.
• Practice with your group for clarity and timing.
• Be ready for a short Q&A session – anticipate 2–3 possible questions.