The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), celebrating its 50th anniversary, has collaborated with the mai Listed Company Association (maiA) to launch the eighth annual SET Social Impact GYM 2024, a bootcamp for social enterprises coached by successful entrepreneurs and business people. Joined by three new alliance partners, the initiative aims to strengthen Social Enterprises (SEs) by developing essential business skills and fostering connections with the private sector, thereby broadening opportunities for collaboration in creating concrete social impact.
SET President Pakorn Peetathawatchai said that SET has promoted sustainable business practices with a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. SET is committed to being exemplary in following ESG principles to ensure the sustainability of Thailand's capital market. One of the key sustainability strategies is to equip social entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial skills through the SET Social Impact GYM, launched in 2017 in collaboration with maiA, a primary partner providing volunteer coaches who share invaluable business insights.
This year's program is further strengthened by three new partners: The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), which will share networks and knowledge with the project's participants; The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG), which will provide insights on financial planning and preparedness for seeking funding sources; and PwC Thailand, which will offer expert advice on taxation and accounting-related matters.
The program welcomes 10 intensively selected SEs, covering four crucial social impact areas: community and agricultural development (three SEs), healthcare (three SEs), environment (three SEs), and vulnerable groups (one SE). Most participants have at least three to five years of business experience and are at the growth stage. However, they still lack business skills necessary for further sustainable growth."
Over the past seven years, the SET Social Impact GYM has empowered more than 80 SEs, equipping them with clear strategic plans and business directions for immediate implementation and expansion. The program has also facilitated Business Co-Creation opportunities between SEs and the private sector in various aspects, resulting in job creation, product and service promotion, sales channel support, and business mentorship.
The impact of this initiative is far-reaching, having created careers for over 114,000 vulnerable individuals, farmers, and community members. It has also enhanced educational opportunities for more than 8,000 people, addressed health issues for about 6,000 individuals, and implemented environmental solutions benefiting over 110,000 people.