Graphic of two hands shaking, with text announcing a partnership between Social Enterprise Mark CIC and C3

New partnership to bring social enterprise accreditation to Middle East

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C3 logoWe are delighted to announce a new partnership with UAE-based social enterprise Companies Creating Change (C3), who will act as our official representative to expand social enterprise accreditation in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region.

With a ten year track record in providing social enterprise accreditation, we have developed an international assessment process that can be applied anywhere in the world. C3 was our pilot international applicant and became the first organisation outside the UK to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark in April 2015.

The Social Enterprise Mark now has a presence in 10 different countries and we are now looking to expand our reach within the MENAT region, where there is an interest from both governments and investors in implementing a robust system for recognising genuine social enterprises.

As our representative for the MENAT region, C3 will use their local knowledge to conduct outreach programmes for potential applicants and provide support to organisations that wish to meet the requirements of the Social Enterprise Mark accreditation. From their own experience of applying for the Social Enterprise Mark, C3 can provide legal advice on how to navigate the regulatory environment of countries in the MENAT region as well as technical support with the application process to the Social Enterprise Mark.

Medea Nocentini

Commenting on the partnership, Medea Nocentini, Co-Founder of C3 said: “Since it’s creation in 2012, C3 has supported more than 500 social entrepreneurs in MENAT, while engaging a community of more than 2,000 experts and investors.

C3 runs programs that accelerate social innovation and social impact: the ‘Change Journey’ starts from identifying a disruptive business solution to a pressing global challenge, to achieving business growth and measuring social and environmental impact. This mirrors the accreditation pathway that has been developed by SEMCIC, which supports social enterprises of all sizes and at all stages to achieve recognised standards of good practice and excellence.”

Lucy Findlay, Managing Director at Social Enterprise Mark CIC added: “We are delighted to be developing this partnership with C3, our longest standing international Social Enterprise Mark holder.

A female-led social enterprise, C3 has a great track record of working in UAE and the MENAT region and is familiar with the challenges and opportunities of working in this environment. They also have a clear understanding of social enterprises and the journey from pre-startup stage to financial sustainability and proven social impact, and so are well placed to support others on that journey.”