Building Sustainable Impact: Insights from the King’s Entrepreneurship Lab Social Ventures Programme 2025
Written by Maureen Abel
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, one question often arises: how do we truly create lasting, impactful change? As a participant in the King’s E-Lab Social Ventures Residential in Cambridge, I had the opportunity to explore this question in depth. Over the course of three days, I was immersed in understanding the vital components of social ventures, how they are built, how they scale, and most importantly, how they measure their impact on society and the environment.
Being a Mastercard Foundation Programme Scholar and one of the 41 students chosen to participate in this prestigious programme was both an honour and a challenge. Each of us came from diverse backgrounds, with unique ideas and visions for tackling the world’s most pressing social issues. The programme aimed to equip us with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to translate our ideas into sustainable and impactful ventures.
What Makes Social Ventures Transformative?
Social ventures, at their core, are about addressing systemic issues through sustainable, ethical, and innovative business models. In today’s world, where social challenges grow increasingly complex, social ventures serve as crucial bridges between profit and purpose. Throughout the programme, we explored how successful social enterprises must transcend traditional business metrics to create sustainable impact in their communities.
For me, this was an eye-opening experience. To show complexity in action, we were taught about the concept of systems mapping, a tool used to understand the interdependencies that define social challenges. This approach was enlightening, and it allowed us to move beyond superficial solutions and to think critically about the broader impacts of our work. Whether addressing climate change, inequality, or access to education, we learned that social ventures must account for the various factors that contribute to the problems at hand. This method of thinking, which involves both strategic and collaborative approaches, is something I intend to integrate into my own work going forward.
Additionally, we were introduced to lean start-up strategies and storytelling for impact, which are pivotal in refining ideas and ensuring they resonate with audiences. By learning how to test ideas and adapt based on feedback, I now feel more confident in refining my own venture ideas and creating sustainable models that can stand the test of time.
Teamwork and Collaboration
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was working in teams. My team, made up of Maureen Abel (that’s me!), Hauwa Busari, Chioma Ezeokoye, Stephanie Anokyewa Tawiah, and Mabel Onyeanwusi, began our journey by examining a critical issue that affects millions of women in rural Nigeria: the lack of financial literacy. This gap has far-reaching implications; it limits women’s economic independence to it hinders the growth of local economies. As we delved deeper into the problem, we realised the urgent need to empower these women with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their finances effectively.
This led us to conceptualise a social venture initiative called Owo Obirin, which means “money woman” in Yoruba. Our vision for Owo Obirin is to provide financial literacy training to rural women, giving them the skills they need to navigate financial systems, save effectively, and make informed economic decisions. The aim is not just to teach basic financial concepts, but to empower women to take control of their financial futures, and in doing so, break the cycle of poverty in their communities.
Each of us brought a unique perspective, skill set, and background to the table, which enriched our discussions and ultimately shaped the direction of our initiative. We shared ideas, challenged each other, and supported one another every step of the way. This sense of collaboration was key to our success, and it reinforced the idea that social ventures are not just about individual brilliance, but about the power of collective action and shared purpose.
The programme also provided a platform for other teams to present their own entrepreneurial projects. It was inspiring to see the range of social ventures being proposed, each one addressing a unique problem in different societies. The presentations sparked thought-provoking discussions and were a testament to the creativity and commitment of the cohort.
Nourishment, Warmth, and Learning: A Holistic Experience
The King’s E-Lab Social Ventures Residential went beyond the intellectual to create an environment that catered to both body and mind. Each day began with a hearty breakfast that brought participants together, setting the tone for collaboration and camaraderie. The breaks throughout the day, including coffee sessions, provided not just refreshments but also invaluable moments for informal networking and idea-sharing. Lunches were equally delightful, offering a chance to bond with fellow scholars and mentors over delicious meals, creating a proper sense of community.
The mentorship provided during the programme was particularly transformative. A key highlight was the panel session featuring social entrepreneurs who shared their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned. Listening to their experiences reminded me of the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a clear vision in building impactful social ventures. After the panel, I had the privilege of speaking with Angie Madara, one of the panellists, whose insights into social ventures in Africa were both inspiring and practical. Our conversation reinforced the importance of creating ventures that are deeply rooted in the needs of the communities they aim to serve, while leveraging innovative strategies for sustainable impact.
The staff also played a pivotal role in shaping this welcoming atmosphere. Their genuine smiles, approachability, and enthusiasm made us feel valued and supported. Their practical and participatory teaching style ensured that we stayed engaged, making complex concepts easy to grasp and apply to real-world scenarios.
One of the highlights of the programme was the formal dinner on the second evening. Held in the magnificent dining hall of King’s College, it was a memorable occasion that combined tradition, elegance, and a sense of shared purpose. The 3-course meal was not just about the culinary experience; it provided a platform to connect with peers and mentors on a deeper level, exchanging ideas and reflections in a relaxed yet inspiring setting.
These moments of nourishment, both physical and emotional, underscored the programme’s holistic approach, reminding us that impactful learning and meaningful connections thrive in an environment of care and intentionality.
From Learning to Action
This residential demonstrated that effective social entrepreneurship requires a careful balance of innovation, collaboration, and measured impact. In the end, I learned that successful social ventures are not just about individual achievement, they’re about creating ripples of positive impact that extend far beyond our immediate reach. As I return to my college, Magdalene, for the start of the Lent term, I carry with me not just knowledge and tools, but a renewed commitment to creating social ventures that matter.
Reflecting on this transformative experience, I’m deeply grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, the Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation, and the King’s E-Lab. Together, they created an environment where ideas could flourish, connections could deepen, and 41 future social entrepreneurs could develop the skills needed to create lasting change.
Maureen Abel
Maureen Abel is an MPhil African Studies student at the University of Cambridge (Magdalene College) and is a scholar of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme. With a background in linguistics and communication, Maureen explores how indigenous knowledge systems can inform sustainability practices and climate resilience. Beyond academia, she is a member of Clearpath Leadership Awareness Network and is passionate about addressing environmental challenges and social inequities, particularly in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.