The COVID-19 crisis is affecting everyone, yet disproportionally those who are already struggling to make a living and take care of their families and communities. The COVID-19 Action Agenda, outlined by the COVID Response Alliance for Social Entrepreneurs, recognises the vital role of social entrepreneurs as operating on the frontline of the crisis and as an important actor in centering a reset of capitalism around the needs of the most vulnerable.
In this Action Agenda, members of the Alliance commit to and call on their peers to stand by social entrepreneurs in their capacity as front-line responders to the health crisis and as pioneers of a green, inclusive society, and economic system. Along with a group of social enterprise representatives participating in the Alliance, the members have identified five COVID-19 response principles for those seeking to support social entrepreneurs:
- Make the voices of social entrepreneurs and their communities heard
- Prepare to respond, recover, and reset – taking the opportunity to shape a new tomorrow
- Collaborate across sectors in recognition of the complexity and scale of the crisis
- Look beyond healthcare, given that COVID-19 touches all areas of people’s lives
- Support the shovel-ready solutions that grassroots organizations are already able to provide today.
This report also includes insights and recommendations tailored to supporting intermediaries, impact investors, corporations, funders, and government institutions.