Good morning and welcome to today's Guardian Social Enterprise Network daily digest. Our space to tell you the latest news, advice and analysis from the sector.
• On the network today we reveal Day 3 of our social enterprise gift ideas Christmas advent calendar. Be sure to comment on our open thread to tell us why you choose to buy social enterprise products. At the end of the month the best comment will be awarded a Christmas hamper full of social gifts donated by the social enterprises we've chosen to feature. Follow our hashtag #socentxmas for updates.
• Today on the network Rich McEachran discusses how African social enterprises are paving the way for solar power while stimulating local economies. He explains how social enterprises are eradicating the kerosene problem and encouraging the private sector to compete with them.
• Social Enterprise Buzz today reported from Hong Kong's second Social Enterprise Award Scheme event on Saturday. The Scheme was organized by Hong Kong's Home Affairs Bureau and the Social Enterprise Advisory Committee in a bid to recognize social enterprises in Hong Kong, set examples for the industry, and enhance public understanding of the sector.
• Yesterday on Pioneers Post Celia Richardson, director of the Social Economy Alliance, explained how social enterprises are well placed to change economic policy in the run up to the 2015 General Election.
• Elsewhere, Youth South Innovation (YSI), an organisation in Toronto which facilitates microloans to social entrepreneurs, has announced two new investments today. Growth Mosaic and MENTORnetwork will each receive a $10,000 loan.
If there's another story or event you'd like us to mention – or if you'd like to share your thoughts on any of the social enterprise issues in the news today – please get in touch by leaving a comment below the line or tweeting us at @GuardianSocEnt.
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