Unlocking community networks as social enterprises
unconnected.org served as resource during the National Social Enterprise Conference 2025 "Scaling Change: Advances of Social Enterprises in Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development" co-organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt), the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia (ISEA), the University of the Philippines Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI) and the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Coalition.
unconnected.org’s contributions in the community networks ecosystem in the Philippines were highlighted, as to enabling Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) by promoting meaningful connectivity.
This conference brought together thought leaders, practitioners, enablers in government, business and civil society and other social enterprise stakeholders to discuss and share innovative strategies and advances made by the sector among communities served and in creating an enabling ecosystem and policy environment towards poverty reduction and sustainable development, including internet access and affordable connectivity.
The sessions explored various models, best practices, and emerging trends that highlight the transformative role of social enterprises in shaping positive change specially for the poor and marginalized, including Community-Centered Connectivity Initiatives (CCCI). Thematic areas tackled include social entrepreneurship initiatives in addressing the digital divide, climate change and women’s economic empowerment.
With the model of unconnected.org catalyzing local entrepreneurs, small businesses and social enterprises, appropriate regulatory compliances are considered such as VAS or ISP licensing to commence projects, even for social impact.
unconnected.org believes that meaningful connectivity drives digital transformation in communities. NSEC 2025 served as a medium to strengthen the community of practice around the work of CCCIs and social enterprises.
