ubizo by Changemakers Toolbox (November 2nd, 2010)

I was alerted to ubizo by my good friend and partner in crime Cecilia Lu, Ninja Marketer/Strategist from Kiwano Marketing. I pondered what ubizo was, because it sounded interesting. I’m always keen to showcase local events, and local entrepreneurs. Lisa Princic, the force behind ubizo, and I chatted recently about ubizo and what the event is, the goals it has and how it works. The case studies have already been chosen: Eclipse Awards, a Strathcona based business; Ocean Village Resort, a Tofino resort; Green Bean Baby, founded by a Vancouver based mom-preneur, Synapse Strategies, a Squamish-based sustainability consultancy.

The last two case studies are also very interesting: Eco-urbia, a start-up social enterprise from North Vancouver and finally A Little More Good – multi-author blog focused on social change.

I asked Lisa to tell me more of a story around ubizo, and here is her response:

I believe that every individual can contribute to the world in a unique and beneficial way. What we are passionate about is often a strong clue on where we can focus our energies to create meaningful careers and businesses. Quite simply, people are often good at what they love doing and that gives them the momentum to keep moving forward.

The challenge for many values-based entrepreneurs is that they may not have the skills, knowledge and support to run and grow the business, despite being very committed to their product or service. Unfortunately it takes more than passion to create success in business.

As a business coach and mentor (with a background in consulting sustainable businesses), I help my clients hold the vision for what they want to create and help them recognize the value of consistent business development (marketing, branding, systems, time management, leadership).

These two factors are so important to success: having the inspiration to make a bigger impact and knowing what to do to make it happen.

My desire to bring these two elements to even more socially and environmentally focused businesses is what started the idea brewing in my head to create ubizo. I know how powerful groups of like-minded individuals together can be when they brainstorm, collaborate and share experiences.

ubizo, is a business development think-tank for passionate entrepreneurs who recognize the value of sharing their business challenges and success stories with peers. ubizo, meaning “a calling” in the South African language Xhosa, will take place in Vancouver at Heritage Hall on November 2nd. There are no inclusive and interactive business events for changemakers like this in Vancouver.

What’s unique about it is that it’s going to be set up in a way so that everyone has a chance to interact and contribute. There are no keynote speakers. The day’s sessions will be lead by high-level mentors in a number of small groups with a different live case study in each one. I expect people will walk away buzzing with ideas and new partnerships.

ubizo is for two kinds of people: values-based business owners who need to take a fresh look at their business strategies, and those who need to re-ignite their passion for what they are doing and keep up their desire to make a huge difference in the world.

To sign up you can do so over their website. Early bird discount ends Tues, Oct 26th.

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