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DIVE Demo Day 2024: Diving into Entrepreneurship by Breaking Barriers

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is defying the age barriers of entrepreneurship through Designing Impactful Ventures (DIVE), a five-day social entrepreneurship bootcamp empowered by the Mrs Lee Choon Guan Enterprising Spirit Fund. It provides entrepreneurial opportunities for Singaporean Citizens who are either seniors (aged 50 and above) or Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) representatives. This programme challenges the stigma and promotes intergenerational collaboration between young seniors and representatives from non-profit organisation (NPO).

 DIVE Demo Day 2024 graced by Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of SUSS
DIVE Demo Day 2024 graced by Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chancellor of SUSS

This edition of DIVE introduces hands-on learning experiences by visiting pioneers in intergenerational social impact, such as Ground Up Initiative (GUI) and Joo Chiat Social Club. These site visits offer participants valuable insights into how community-driven initiatives foster collaboration across generations, encouraging them to apply similar approaches to their own impact ideas.

 
DIVE participants at Ground-Up Initiative (GUI)
DIVE participants at Ground-Up Initiative (GUI)

GUI preserves the kampung spirit and reignites it by fostering an intergenerational community through mentorship and hands-on workshops. Participants engage in activities like farm tours, which highlight the importance of community building and ground-up experimentation in social entrepreneurship. Additionally, the human library features speakers who share their journeys and insights, illustrating how individuals can create meaningful impact. This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and resourcefulness, creating a space where ordinary individuals can tinker and transform ideas into an extraordinary legacy.
 
DIVE Participants at Joo Chiat Social Club
DIVE Participants at Joo Chiat Social Club

At Joo Chiat Social Club, participants explored an intergenerational community care space that promotes independence for seniors while fostering connections with children, highlighting the potential of community-driven ideas.

Inspired by these site visits, the teams envisioned ideas aimed at creating a stronger social impact. On Demo Day, participants were beaming with excitement as they passionately pitched their venture ideas to Guest of Honour, SUSS Chancellor, Mdm Halimah Yacob and the judges, Mr Song Joo Lim, Founder and CEO, BWG Academy, Dr Jean Liu, Director, Centre for Evidence and Implementation, Mr Lenard Pattiselanno, Senior Director, Community Leadership and Partnerships, Ms Meredith Carson, Founder and CEO, Growth Ensemble and Ms Hao Long, Managing Director, Head of Asia Equity Capital Markets.

Green Pals with mentors, David Ward (third from left) and Patrick Ng (third from right)
Green Pals with mentors, David Ward (third from left) and Patrick Ng (third from right)

Clinching third place is Green Pals, a startup dedicated to enhancing mental well-being by creating sustainable gardening oases in local communities.
 
Playces with mentors, David Ward and Patrick Ng
Playces with mentors, David Ward and Patrick Ng

The impressive runner up is Playces, where they empower social impact by providing accessible spaces for grassroots initiatives in Singapore, fostering collaboration and innovation for community-driven change.
 
Dream Builder Thrive with mentors, David Ward and Patrick Ng
Dream Builder Thrive with mentors, David Ward and Patrick Ng

Congratulations to the winner of the Designing Impactful Ventures Demo Day 2024, Dream Builder Thrive! They are dedicated to supporting children and youth from under-resourced backgrounds, with a mission to nurture a new generation of confident builders and innovators, equipped with the skills and mindset for future success.

Leaving Demo Day with renewed confidence and a clear sense of purpose, participants are eagerly committed to pursuing their impactful idea. If you're ready to embark on your own entrepreneurial journey and refine your business ideas, join us for the next run of DIVE in April 2025. Take the first step toward making a meaningful impact with us here.




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