MPowerPeople MD Named as a Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneur

Michelle Smith, founder and Managing Director of Mpower People CIC is announced as one of the Future 100 Young Social Entrepreneurs of the Year on Social Enterprise Day during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people, with millions unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality

It began as Enterprise Week in the UK back in 2004. When news of the phenomenal success of Enterprise Week in the UK spread the globe, lots of other countries got excited about the potential of running similar initiatives in their own countries. Since its inception, Global Entrepreneurship Week has spread to 115 countries, with nearly 24,000 organisations planning more than 37,000 activities.

The Future 100 Awards were first launched in 2008 to recognise and profile young entrepreneurs running businesses, which have a triple bottom line. The definition of a triple bottom line, is a business that addresses people, planet and profit. They have a strong commercial foundation as well as a significant social and environmental impact.

The Future 100 Awards recognises the success of young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 who demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and innovation in progressing a responsible business venture.

Mpower People CIC provides a variety of activities aimed at empowering individuals towards living healthier, more independent lives, through a range of sports and healthy living education programmes and activities or training relating to increasing sustainable employment opportunities, enterprise development or personal development. Initially aimed specifically at those who are from disadvantaged groups, for example NEET (not in education, employment or training) clients, BEM (Black or ethnic minority) members, anyone living with a health condition, or long-term unemployed, etc. but now open to anyone who feels that they can benefit from our services/activities.

Michelle Smith said, “It is an amazing honour to have been selected as a Future 100 Award Winner for 2011. I am proud of the organisation I have created and receive positive feedback from our clients on a daily basis, but it is always great to be recognised by other people.”

Founder of Striding Out and organiser of the Future100 awards, Heather Wilkinson said: "The future of our world is in the hands of individuals who are committed to generating commercial and ethical returns. 

Challenging economic times can offer opportunities to question the way we operate as both a business community and a society. We have a history of  profiling the 'Future 100' young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of everyday business and improving commerce's impact on the wider world."

The Future 100 awards encourages and rewards extraordinary vision, ethical business practice and social responsibility. They aim to showcase businesses that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to social problems. The Future 100 Awards is organized by Striding Out www.stridingout.co.uk, a social enterprise which is committed to supporting the development and growth of young and ethical entrepreneurs.

For more information about what MPowerPeople does from its Liverpool Innovation Park base visit www.MPowerPeople.co.uk