The ASEAN Foundation, in collaboration with TikTok and SAP, is thrilled to announce the launch of the ASEAN Social Enterprises Development Program 3.0 (ASEAN SEDP 3.0).
This initiative is designed to bolster social enterprises across the ASEAN region by providing them with access to invaluable opportunities aimed at enhancing their ventures.
The program focuses on four key areas: promoting productivity, technology, and innovation; increasing access to finance; enhancing market access and internationalization; and fostering entrepreneurship and human capital development.
Programme Overview
Aligned with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Social Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ASEAN SEDP 3.0 supports various ASEAN work plans, including the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016–2025 and the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021–2025.
The program seeks to address ongoing challenges by facilitating human capital development, fostering MSME digital upskilling and market access, and promoting social enterprise empowerment within specified SDG targets.(ASEAN Social Enterprises Development)
Objectives
The ASEAN Foundation, TikTok, and SAP aim to achieve the following objectives through the implementation of ASEAN SEDP:
- Empower youth-led social enterprises through product refinement, business model improvement, and mentoring.
- Increase investor access to funding sources for participating youth-led social enterprises.
- Enhance the social impacts generated by participating social enterprises.
- Engage ASEAN youth-led social enterprises in national and regional policymaking processes, collaborating with governments and other key stakeholders.
- Contribute to one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals, including but not limited to poverty alleviation, zero hunger, quality education, and climate action.
Eligibility and Qualification
Social enterprises from ASEAN countries are eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Founders, co-founders, CEOs, or team members are between 18 and 35 years old and ASEAN nationals.
- All team members reside in one of the 10 ASEAN countries.
- The project leader must commit to participating in the full cycle of ASEAN SEDP 3.0.
- Social enterprises must have a viable product and preferably generate revenue.
- Proficiency in English is preferred, as the program will be conducted in English.
Process and Timeline
- Programme Launching: Early February 2024
- Call for Applications: 9 February – 31 March 2024
- Shortlisting: April 2024
- Interview: April – May 2024
- Capacity-Building Training and Mentoring: June – December 2024
- Virtual Demo Day and Seed Grant Selection: August 2024
- Business Matchmaking and Networking: September/October 2024
- Project Implementation by Social Enterprises: September – November 2024
Benefits of the Programme
- Tailored Curriculum: Customized training and mentoring based on the unique needs of each social enterprise.
- Mentorship with Experts: Guidance from mentors affiliated with TikTok and SAP.
- Leveraging TikTok: Free TikTok credits to enhance online engagement and reach.
- Networking Opportunities: One-on-one sessions with investors and networking events with ASEAN governments.
- Engagement with Policymakers: Opportunities to engage with ASEAN sectoral bodies and showcase impacts.
- Visibility and Funding: Top-performing social enterprises stand to win seed grants of up to $40,000 USD.(ASEAN Social Enterprises Development)
Assessment Criteria
- Social Impact
- Product Feasibility
- Market Attractiveness
- Business Model Scalability
- Financial Health
- Founder & Team Composition
- PR and Communication
How to Apply
Interested social enterprises must complete the application form by 31 March 2024, using the following
link: https://form.jotform.com/240231120545440 Applications submitted through other channels will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be processed for shortlisting. For inquiries, contact aseansedp@aseanfoundation.org.
