Are you a social entrepreneur, changemaker, or community enterprise leader in Manchester? If so, we invite you to take part in the MSEA Mentor-a-thon, facilitated by Flourish Together and Manchester Social Economy Alliance (MSEA) Partners.
This is the first Flourish Mentor-a-thon in partnership with the MSEA and we want to highlight the power of the Manchester-focused network of strategic and infrastructural organisations. The event is open to all everyone and will benefit anyone up to making good use of a cross-sector lens on the work they are doing.
Event Details:
📅 Monday 24th March
📍 DiSH, Central Manchester
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What is a Mentor-a-thon?
A Mentor-a-thon is a dynamic and engaging group mentoring event designed to support individuals working in the social economy. Over the past decade, Flourish Together has successfully hosted these insightful sessions in partnership with organisations such as MSEA and Macc.
The format brings together an independent panel of 4-5 mentors from the public, private, and third sectors. These mentors sit on Sounding Boards, where they listen to and support a mentee – someone with a challenge or idea to pitch.
Why Take Part?
This event offers mentees:
- A 45-minute impartial Sounding Board session.
- Fresh perspectives, valuable contacts, and potential new opportunities.
- The chance to apply for a cash award to support personal or social venture development. (Please note: Only a small number of awards will be granted through a group scoring system.)
Who Should Apply?
The Mentor-a-thon is ideal for those who:
- Are social entrepreneurs, changemakers, or leading social/community enterprises in Manchester, either at start-up or scale-up stage.
- Are available to attend in person on 24th March.
- Have a challenge or idea they’re ready to pitch to a Sounding Board.
- Are open to feedback and willing to explore alternative perspectives.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in pitching on the day, simply complete our online Challenge Form.
⏳ Deadline to express interest: Monday 10th March
📩 Successful applicants will be notified by 15th March by a member of the Flourish Team. Please save the date of 24th March to ensure you’re available.
Event Format
The day will feature at least Twelve Sounding Board sessions, each lasting approximately 45 minutes.
- Facilitated Sounding Boards will consist of mentors from diverse sectors providing cross-sector support to help mentees refine their ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and expand their networks.
- Though you are welcome to stay for a part of the day. We encourage you to attend for as long as your knowledge will also be a valuable addition to sounding boards as a mentor in other sessions.
- We will also be carrying out evaluation activities such as mini-Vox pop interviews on participants experiences throughout the day.
Benefits of Participating
For Mentees:
✔ Receive constructive feedback and troubleshooting support.
✔ Gain a fresh perspective and access new knowledge.
✔ Expand your network of contacts and opportunities.
✔ Have space to reflect and be taken seriously.
✔ Potential access to seed funding.
For Mentors:
✔ Deepen your understanding of the social economy and social entrepreneurship.
✔ Use your skills, experience, and networks to create positive impact.
✔ Learn from other mentors and mentees, gaining fresh insights.
✔ Expand your professional connections within the sector.
Have Questions?
If you need further details or assistance with the Challenge Form, please contact anna@flourishtogether.org.uk.
