In the fifthteen of a series of articles on the Big Venture Challenge Winners, we introduce today Maryam Zonouzi & Sinead Brophy, founders of Coalition for Independent Living.
Big Venture Challenge is a national programme, run by UnLtd and supported by the Big Lottery Fund, to find 25 of the most ambitious social entrepreneurs in England. The 25 winners all want investment so that their enterprises can deliver social impact on a significant scale. They will each receive a unique package of financial and non-financial support to help them achieve their goals. Meet winner No 15:
Maryam Zonouz & Sinead Brophyi, founders of Coalition for Independent Living
Who are they?
Maryam is an academic and campaigner for the empowerment of disabled people. She has worked as CEO of a technology company and has undertaken doctoral research which tested disruptive technology and service concepts to change the world for disabled people. She works closely with Sinead Brophy, who works on citizen-facing technology and service innovation in health and social care, following a career in local authorities and the NHS.
What do they do?
Coalition for Independent Living (CIL) CIC is the national leader in peer-to-peer brokerage training and services for independent living. The organisation trains and accredits disabled and older people to be professional peer brokers to help others like themselves to plan, find and manage their healthcare and support services, funded either through state or personal finances. CIL do this through a social franchise model, underpinned by their own innovative technology.
Why were they selected?
The judges and UnLtd were impressed by Maryam and Sinead, and the different skills they bring to the partnership. They were also excited by the model's potential in the growing market of personalised budgets. Though relatively early stage, they felt that the Big Venture Challenge can provide valuable support to these committed social entrepreneurs.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To join the social enterprise network, click here.
