#5 - We're back! On the finitude of time, plus funding, support and resources for impact founders.
Advice, inspiration and opportunities for people building a purpose-driven business
Hey fellow good business fans,
Usually I’d start by welcoming you to your weekly guide to building a purpose-driven company. But given that it’s been significantly more than one week since #4 it felt a little disingenuous to open that way…
The truth is, over the past few months I’ve been grappling with the ‘ambition resource gap’ - namely when all the things you want to do simply don’t fit into the resources which actually available to you. In this case, the resource has been time.
I’m sure this is familiar to you.
You have lofty dreams about the great things you want to achieve and how, armed with the perfect to-do list and time-management hacks, you’ll hit that perfect state of flow which means not only will you get everything done, you’ll be left with time to spare.
And yet, surprise surprise, it never quite happens. Because the uncomfortable truth is that time is limited. There will always be more things you could do than time available to do them all. You have to choose, to prioritise and ultimately to accept that however brilliant you might be, you are human. And to be human is to live with limits.
Whilst that might sound like the depressing antithesis of all those motivational Instagram quotes proclaiming you can have it all, its actually one of the most freeing things you can learn to accept.
This is also a way of explaining why this newsletter went dark. I took on too much, other things arose in my life which required time I hadn’t put aside, and in the end I unintentionally and then intentionally put down the (metaphorical?) pen.
But. I’ve missed it. So I’m in the process of choosing to devote some of my finite time to writing.
I started this Substack originally because I adore delving into the good business space and sharing the things I discover along the way. I’ve also had some wonderful messages of appreciation and thanks from those who’ve found something useful contained within which spurs me on.
I hope you become one of them too. Take what resonates and leave the rest.
And I’ll see you back here next week.
PS on the topic of making time for ourselves, another impact founder recently shared these words of advice which I thought really hit home:
"Purpose is a double edged sword. It's why we’re so driven to do what we do (=super power) but it's also what can mean we lose sight of looking after ourselves (because we put so much energy into making the business work). Worst case this can lead to burnout. So don’t lose sight of you."
💰📚 This week’s recommendations:
Funding, accelerators and awards:
Enterprise Nation x Vista Print 20 grants of £7.5k - open till 26 Feb, for UK-based small businesses
100x Impact Accelerator - this looks very cool. £150k capital, world-class support, with LSE. Deadline 10 March.
Cambridge Social Innovation Prize - focused on supporting social innovators to develop and grow so they can have a bigger impact in the world. £10k cash award and mentoring. Deadline 6 April.
Events and support:
Workshop: Ethical Selling for Social Entrepreneurs - I recently asked some fellow founders what aspects of running a business they feel least confident with and perhaps unsurprisingly, sales was in the top 3. For purpose-driven founders, selling can have negative connotations (hello, used cars!) If that’s you, then check out my dear friend Nova’s brilliant new venture Arlu CIC, a social enterprise creating ethical and ambitious sales training and support. It’s pay as you feel (suggested donation just £25).
Female Founders Rise - I wouldn’t be surprised if every female founder reading this is already a member, but if not, this is a hugely supportive community set up by the powerhouse Emmie Faust. Events, workshops, networking and general cheerleading! Free.
Reads and other good things:
BOOK: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman - on the topic of time, I’m slowly savouring this one again right now. It’s basically where I draw all my time-related wisdom from. Read and learn to enjoy the journey.
SUBSTACK: The Green Fix by Cass Hebron - this issue stopped me in my tracks. Exquisitely written, vulnerable and moving call to arms. A reminder that we should never stop trying, and that ‘there are more things which unite us than divide’.
RESOURCE: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Dates 2023 - pulled together by the very impressive Emily Horton, founder of More Diverse Voices, is this very handy list of all the key EDI dates for the year. Available as a free Google Calendar too.
🫶 Final thought:
The Earthquake in Syria and Turkey is heartbreaking. Its so easy to feel completely helpless as disasters continue to strike the earth, but if you can, donate to the Emergency Fundraiser organised by the incredible Choose Love. Times are clearly tight for us, but even a little (I donated £25 yesterday) goes a long way.
💚 If you liked this issue of Just Good Company and know someone who would find it interesting too, please forward it on. It means a lot 🤗