The IOEE is proud to recognise many academies across the world, who actively advocate for enterprise education and embrace the ever changing landscape of entrepreneurship. We are pleased to welcome Purple Shoots Business Loans to the IOEE Academy network, and to provide recognition to their Community Recharge Programme.
We spoke with Chris Jackson, Director of Entrepreneurship at Purple Shoots, about Purple Shoots’ vision, their new IOEE Recognised programme and their plans for the future.
Chris introduced himself and Purple Shoots to us, and began talking about the reasons he has connected with the IOEE. Having spoken with members of the IOEE team for quite some time now, Chris knew that the IOEE was a recognisable name within the field of enterprise and entrepreneurship. One of the first things Chris said to us in the interview was that he believes “the IOEE is a vehicle that can promote change in thinking and approach” when it comes to enterprise practice and theory.
Chris has a background in enterprise, entrepreneurship and business ownership, as well as academia and education. Chris then engaged with Purple Shoots, following an academic career.
Purple Shoots is community based, and the programmes they run and training they provide is community driven. Chris was interested in working with Purple Shoots and their community of business owners, to strengthen the network of business owners in the UK. Chris aims to “use (the) IOEE academy status to create a community of enterprising beings”, and we are proud to be included in that community.
Purple Shoots believes that a shift has happened, in the approach and application of enterprise, and refers back to an idea of active entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is all about adding value. Entrepreneurship “isn’t about making money at the expense of other people”, Chris is looking to change peoples understanding of enterprise and entrepreneurship. He went on to explain that enterprise education should teach learners about the diversity and sustainability of enterprise entrepreneurship.
Chris told us that Purple Shoots is doing what they can to build up a strong community of entrepreneurs, and changing the definition of enterprise. He told us that the programme will break down the idea that “enterprise is exclusive” and will open the door to entrepreneurship for those who may have struggled to get there.
We are looking forward to seeing where Purple Shoots goes next, and how they support their community in the future. We will be keeping in touch with Chris and the team at Purple Shoots, so stay tuned for more updates from them in the future.
To find out more about becoming an IOEE Academy or having a programme recognised, please get in touch using our callback form at: https://ioee.org.uk/ioee-recognised