Introduction
In the realm of social entrepreneurship, where passion meets purpose, there lies a unique set of challenges and rewards.
Recently, our Co-founder, Greg Tan, had the privilege of joining the Questions With podcast hosted by the Head of ESG, April Ong Vaño from Quest Ventures. The conversation delved into the journey of SG Assist, its mission in the caregiving industry, and the valuable insights Greg shared with aspiring social entrepreneurs. Let’s take a closer look at the key takeaways from this enlightening discussion.
But first, a short introduction about us, we started by connecting caregivers with compassionate neighbours, a simple idea that grew into a thriving neighbourhood-volunteering network. We have since broadened our mission to provide comprehensive care solutions for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. At our core, you’ll find CareConnect, our personalized care concierge, along with the introduction of Singapore’s first Caregiver Resource Centre.
Defining the Social Mission
Greg emphasised the importance of clearly defining the social mission and purpose of an enterprise. For SG Assist, it’s not about replacing existing services but enhancing and navigating the caregiving system to make it smoother. This clarity, Greg suggests, serves as a compass, guiding decision-making processes, inspiring teams, and attracting like-minded supporters, including mentors and investors.
The Academic Yet Practical Approach
Acknowledging the academic soundness, Greg highlighted the significance of the business model canvas. This practical tool, often deemed a startup founder’s favourite, encompasses key elements such as customer segmentation, value proposition, revenue streams, and partnerships. By continually revisiting and honing this canvas, entrepreneurs can ensure sustained focus on sustainability, key partnerships, and target audiences.
Building Deeper Partnerships
Looking ahead, Greg envisions deeper collaborations with existing partners such as Fei Yue and Montfort Care, along with governmental agencies like AIC. These collaborations, he believes, will allow SG Assist to better understand their goals, subsequently aligning efforts to bring more comprehensive services under one roof. SG Assist also extends a warm invitation to companies and corporates, inviting you to join hands in fulfilling our social mission and creating a positive impact in the caregiving landscape.
A Fulfilling Journey
Greg shares a memorable aspect of SG Assist’s journey – the impactful role of the call centre. By hiring seniors and people with disabilities, SG Assist not only provides support to caregivers but also empowers individuals who, in turn, offer assistance to others. This unexpected and fulfilling outcome showcases the unforeseen positive impact that can emerge when planning processes are designed with a holistic approach.
The Future Vision
Looking forward, Greg envisions SG Assist not as a disruptor but as an integral part of the caregiving ecosystem. The goal is to scale and deepen collaborations, ensuring that more services are accessible in a convenient, one-stop manner.
Conclusion
As SG Assist continues its journey, the podcast with April Ong Vaño provides a glimpse into the heart of social entrepreneurship. Greg Tan’s insights serve as a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasising the need for a clear mission, a practical approach through tools like the business model canvas, and the value of unexpected, yet fulfilling, outcomes in the pursuit of social impact. The road ahead may be long, but with a dedicated team and unwavering vision, SG Assist is poised to make a lasting difference in the caregiving landscape. Companies and corporations, if you are interested in helping us in achieving our social mission of assisting caregivers and empowering people with disabilities, do reach out to us!
If you would like to listen to the full podcast between Quest Ventures, hosted by April Ong Vaño, and our Co-founder, Greg Tan, click here!
At SG Assist, we understand that caregiving can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. That’s why we provide resources and support for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers alike. Whether you’re in need of care services or looking to volunteer at our Caregiver Resource Centre, we’re here to help you make a difference in the lives of others. Visit our websites at SG Assist and CareConnect or sign up for our newsletter here today to learn more.
References:
Quest Ventures. (2023, November 30). S3E10: Questions With SG Assist’s Greg Tan. https://www.questventures.com/perspectives/ideas/s3e10-questions-with-sg-assists-greg-tan/
