Social innovation is high on Janssen's list of priorities. In the context of our Corporate Social Responsibility policy, ‘GROW Together for Society’, the first Social Grow Sessions were organized, a support program for social entrepreneurs who handle challenges in society in a particularly creative way. After three intensive boot camps covering several days, three winners were chosen at the final event of 8 December. Villa Clementina won first prize.

Social Grow Sessions are organized in co-operation with the Social Innovation Factory (B) and Social Enterprise (NL). “Everywhere where Janssen companies are active, we want to give something back to society. Social Grow Sessions are our way of giving something back”, says Sonja Willems, Managing Director of Janssen Benelux with a heart for social entrepreneurs.

With unbridled enthusiasm the candidates gained loads of inspiration and practical knowledge to stimulate the further growth of their social company. The high point of this support program was on Thursday the 8th of December. The 6 Belgian and 6 Dutch social entrepreneurs presented their company, business plan and ambitions to a jury. Three laureates were chosen, who each received a monetary prize to give their ambition an extra boost.

First prize went to Villa Clementina from Zemst, Katia Verhaeren's social enterprise. She established inclusive childcare facilities, for children with and without extra care needs. The children are supported by a team of professionals and volunteers but also by young people with a disability. Inclusion in its broadest sense! “I am very happy with my first prize”, Katia says, “The prize money will be used for scientific research. We see that our methodology works and now we want to prove it scientifically.”

Dutch application Klup won second prize. The aim of Michelle Wolters' application is to bring together (lonely) elderly people based on common interests and location.

Third prize went to Tinybots. Tinybots, created by the Dutch Wang Lung Li aims to help people with dementia live longer independently. Social robot Tessa, which can be completely customized to the patient, reminds dementia patients of such things as appointments.

Each participant was assigned a buddy. This buddy is a mentor at Janssen who will assist them until March. Bart Van den Hauwe will coach Villa Clementina over the coming months: “I intend to make my contribution, chiefly on the financial side, by drawing up budgets.”

The nice thing about GROW Together for Society is that it is the joint Corporate Social Responsibility program of all Johnson & Johnson companies in the Benelux. Across all national boundaries we want to strengthen its social impact. Social Grow Sessions are supported by the Johnson & Johnson Corporate Citizenship Trust. This foundation co-ordinates all the Corporate Social Responsibility programs of all Johnson & Johnson companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

A video report of the evening is available here. Want to know more about Social Grow Sessions? Check out www.socialgrowsessions.net.