|
Up to $130,000 in Funding for Social Entrepreneurs
Free and Open to All - See How Your Organization Can Participate
St. Louis, Missouri , July 17, 2007
- The Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition (SEIC) is an educational opportunity and competition designed by YouthBridge Association and Washington University. The goal of the program is to stimulate activity which leads to innovative approaches to social problems. The competition arose out of the belief that there is a need in the nonprofit sector to upgrade skills and knowledge to enable agencies to become more sustainable. The SEIC consists of a series of workshops designed to inform and inspire the participants to establish sustainable programs through social enterprise thinking and collaboration. Entrants have the option of participating in three judged events with an opportunity of winning up to $130,000 in funding.
This program is for you if you are a social entrepreneur looking for:
- broad exposure
- funding
- new skills
- networking with business and nonprofit professionals
- executive feedback on your entrepreneurial business plan
What is the Cost to Enter?
Participation is free.
Who Can Enter?
Existing nonprofit agencies, foundations, students, faculty, philanthropists and new social entrepreneurs can participate in this program. This program is open to all.
Why Participate?
Participants can attend a series of free training workshops, targeted at nonprofits and taught by business leaders. The workshops, held at the Washington University Campus, focus on teaching nonprofits how to improve their business practices, how to implement social enterprise concepts and how to develop multiple income sources, such as specialized grants, alternative funding and earned income. Attendees receive practical knowledge and professional networking opportunities, and may elect to submit their business plans to a panel of judges to compete in the award winning phase of the event. You do not have to participate in the contest to attend the education, but if you do, you have an opportunity to win funding for your organization. The SEIC awarded $130,000 to the winners of the 2007 competition.
Topics presented at last year's competition were:
- Competition Overview
- What is Social Enterprise?
- Is Your Social Enterprise Idea Viable?
- Finding Your Champion
- Pricing Your Offering
- Financial Strategy
- Legal Implications
- Business Planning for Nonprofits
- Partnering and Collaborating
- Measuring Outcomes
- Final Presentation Preparation
Key Dates
September 6 - IdeaBounce
September 10 - Skandalaris Fall Expo
September 12 - Coffee with the Experts
September 27 - SEIC Kickoff
How do I Get More Information?
You may contact either Washington University or YouthBridge Association.
How Do I Get Started?
All participants are encouraged to register their concept and team information on the www.ideabounce.com website.
Where Can I Read More About the SEIC?
See our Home Page and click on SEIC for more detailed information, history and a 2008 Calendar of Events.
|