Social Entrepreneur Forum

A Conversation For Those of us Who Want to do Good and do Well

Posts Tagged social entrepreneurship

Business Plan Competitions for Social Entrepreneurs

Jan 5

Posted by admin in social entrepreneurship

Name

Web site

Next
Deadline

Entry Criteria, Prizes, Notes

Investor’s Circle Call for Applicants

 http://tinyurl.com/IC-call-for-applicants

January 13, 2010

Companies at early or expansion stage whose businesses address significant social or environmental issues.

Global Social Venture Competition

 www.gsvc.org January 20 (USA Entries) One team member must be a current or recent (2 years) graduate business student. $25,000 grand prize.

Brigham Young University Social Venture Competition

http://socialventure.byu.edu

January 22, 2010

Applicants must be currently enrolled at Brigham Young (Provo, Hawaii, or Idaho). $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Business Environmental Awards

www.acterra.org/bea/

January 22, 2010

For existing companies in the San Francisco Bay area. Some Non-profit organizations are eligible.

Tufts Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition

 http://tinyurl.com/tufts-competition

January 25, 2010

One member of each team must be a Tufts student. $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.

Florida International University (FIU) Entrepreneur Challenge

 http://fiuchallenge.com

January 30, 2010

Open to all FIU students. $5,000 grant.

Harvard Social Enterprise Club Pitch for Change Competition

 www.pitchforchange.org/

January 30, 2010

At least one team member must be a current graduate student. Cash prizes totaling $7,000.

Tulane University Business Plan Competition

 www.tulanebusinessplancompetition.com/

February 1, 2010

Open to students. All business ventures must be seeking outside equity capital. Cash prizes totaling $40,000.

Seattle Pacific University Social Venture Plan Competition

 www.spu.edu/depts/sbe/svpc.asp

February 9, 2010

At least one teams member must be a SPU student. $7,500 in prizes.

Yale Entrepreneurial Society (YES)

www.yesatyale.org/y50k.php

February 9, 2010

At least one team member must be a Yale student, staff, or faculty member. $55,000 in prizes.
Duke Start-Up Challenge - Entrepreneur Competition www.dukestartupchallenge.org/ February 10, 2010

At least one team member must be a full-time student at Duke. Prizes totaling $52,000.

Stanford Social E-Challenge

 http://tinyurl.com/social-ebases

February 17, 2010

At least one team member must be a Stanford student or recent alumni. $50,000 in prizes.

Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship (SASE)

 www.skollfoundation.org/skollawards/

February 17, 2010

Organization led by social entrepreneur with at least a 3 year track record. Mezzanine funding available.

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Social Capital Markets 2009 Convention

Aug 16

Posted by admin in Education, Social Entreprenueurship Education

If your are a serious about making a Social impact SOCAP09 is where you will want to be. Everybody who is anybody at this event will be there.

This event was organized by Kevin Jones and a couple of years ago the put major players of the Social Entrepreneurship movement together.

Heads of Major Foundations, non-profits, and social venture capitals firms will all be establishing relationships and building partnerships with social entrepreneurs like you and I to reshape our world. Hope to see you there.

For more information view the video below and visit

www.socialcaptialmarkets.net

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Is Network Marketing Social Entrepreuership’s Greatest Resource

Jul 11

Posted by admin in Network Marketing, Social Entreprenueurship Education

So I’ve been toying with several blog ideas over the past couple of weeks because I really wanted to talk about something that hasn’t really been discussed before.

Also, I was looking for industries that could potentially have a huge social impact on society.

My conclusion was that any industry could foot the bill (i.e. make a difference) as long as the end result of their efforts added value to the lives of all involved and didn’t cause harm in the process.

Since this was a very large conclusion to come to, I decided to look at ways of doing business, and this is what lead me to writing about network marketing industry today.

Now let me start by saying that, I am apart of a network marketing company and to some extent I am biased.

However, I am very aware that throughout the years network marketing has really earned a bum wrap because so many of the companies that professes to but beacons of light and a sure path of freedom from poverty simply haven’t been that.

Many of these companies have misrepresented the true success potential of their opportunity, are like cults in that new recruits pressure friends and family to join, and to make matters worst many of these companies change pay plans when their enterprise becomes saturated with too many distributors.

However, the fundamental concept of network marketing is social in nature and could potentially be the strongest ally for aspiring social entrepreneurs around the world.

Done correctly network marketing is Social Entrepreneurship at its finest…Network marketing is supposed to be about creating a lifestyle that assist those closest to you by offering them a product, service or business opportunity that can actually enrich or add value their lives.

However, in order for network marketing to be truly social entrepreneurial it must be carried out with the highest degree of integrity on the part of the company and the independent distributor.

The network marketing company must be ethical, maintain a high degree of integrity, and truly have the intent of making a difference in the world instead of just making a buck.

Secondly the independent distributors involved in a network marketing company must be ethical and committed to working with the organization because they have concluded that their network marketing organization is the right fit, at the right time for their life.

In my next blog we will discuss the social entrepreneurial impact of network marketing companies and distributors that actually get the philosophy of making a difference.

In the mean time if you are involved in a network marketing company and would like to learn more about how to build a business that makes a difference and provides you with the financial ability to create a massive impact, please checkout magnetic sponsoring

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Education for Social Entrepreneurs

Jun 11

Posted by admin in Social Entreprenueurship Education

The world is Your Classroom

So exactly where does one go to learn how to change the world? Really, anywhere in the world he or she chooses.

There are several opportunities to learn about Social Entrepreneurship by finding and filling needs in your own neighborhood.

SE Education is more about being in action and creating results as opposed to simply passively hoping some great guru will come along and teach you something.

In all reality, the world doesn’t need “changing” because there is nothing “wrong” or “right” about it. The world just is…period. As a SE your work is to assist others in find opportunities that allow them to fulfill on the dreams, goals, and desires that are most important to them.

Now, this may mean assisting or supporting others in an effort to do some things differently. However, this is not about changing them or their life, or the world, it is simply about being present to support the natural growth and development of humanity.

I’ve seen many people profess to be SEers but they are only out to fight against something they don’t agree with (again nothing “wrong” here). However, there power is  limited to their anger or frustration.

Full power, self-expression and freedom become available when the  mind and heart are  set upon being in the action of allowing  one’s natural goodness to unfold in a way that adds value to your life and lives of others.

You may look for opportunities to make a difference in many ways. You may travel the world, pay close attention to current events, attend seminars, participate in personal development programs or attending a major university.

The key is to find a need and fill it in true win-win-win fashion. The people you serve win, you win, and the world as a whole wins.

The list below will give you an idea of some of the schools that provide social entrepreneurial education. CAUTION: If you’re serious about making a difference consider the avenues above before you mortgage you future at a major school.

Noting wrong with school, I strongly believe in education, and even hold a Master’s degree. However, I’ve seen it used as a hideout and an excuse for inaction.  If you see a need that can be filled now.  Get to work!

There is no need to procrastinate your greatness.

Nevertheless, the schools below all offer Social Entrepreneurship programs. Visit their sites, visit the campuses, call admissions and let me know what you you liked or disliked. I’m eager to learn about your experience.

Alfred University
Austin Peay State University
Babson College
University of California, Los Angeles
Case Western Reserve University
Clarkson University
Colorado State University
Concordia University
University of Dayton
East Carolina University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Georgetown University
Grand Valley State University
Harvard University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
Kennesaw State University
University of Kentucky
La Salle University
Loyola College in Maryland
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Northwestern University
University of Oklahoma * GO SOONERS!
University of Oregon
Saint Joseph’s University
Samford University
San Diego State University
The University of Texas at Austin
Wake Forest University
Washington University
Warwick Business School

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Examples of Social Entrepreneurship

Jun 4

Posted by admin in Social Entreprenueurship Education

I’ve talked to several people about Social Entrepreneurship and have been asked to provide some specific examples of what this concept is actually all about since it is still fairly new. Below are a couple of videos that I’m sure you guys would be able to appreciate.

There are actually a few social entrepreneurial orgainazaitions out there whose sole purpose is fund and support the work or social entrepreneurs.

Here are 3 great website. The videos posted below are actually from the first organization www.Skoll.org.

www.skoll.org
www.Ashoka.org
www.echoinggreen.org

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Online Retailing with a Purpose

May 25

Posted by admin in Dubli For a Cause

As many of you know, non-profits provide much needed support for your our communities.  However, most of these organization are not sustainable without grants, donations and federal funding.

During  economic downtimes (like we’re in today) much of this funding has been drying up and many non-profits have been forced to downsize or close their doors.

To make matters worse, the services of this non-profits are needed even more during these hard times.

Below are is a headline from the Associated Press and and video from Fox News.

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Shriners Hospitals, which has provided free care to children since before the Great Depression, is considering closing a quarter of its facilities as donations stagnate, costs increase and the charity’s endowment shrivels.

I am from S.C. and I can tell you that it is a big deal for the Shriners to close 6 hospitals. Many people in my community have supported this organization over the years.

Fox News 35 - Florida is facing $5 billion worth of budget cuts and some of the non-profit programs people rely on during tough times may disappear.

I have recently been working on a project called “Dubli for a Cause”. Dubli provides an innovative way for non-profits to sustainably raise funds for their organizations.

For only $199 a year, a non-profit can establish its very own online shopping and reverse auction portal that will allow them to raise funds 24/7.

The non-profit simply post a link about their new portal to their website, send out e-blast, and host a big party party for their donors to encourage them to shop on their portal when they plan to purchase things they need or want. Over 900 retailers are represented and discounts through the portal can range from 10-90%.

Best of all, when consumers make purchases or participate in the reverse auction, the non-profit receives 30% of the revenue earned.

American Idol star, Jordin Sparks is using this concept to fund her charity “Jordin Sparks Charities” along with a Boys and Girls club in California.

If you’d like more information about how you or a non-profit can participate in this program please visit www.DubliForaCause.com or e-mail me at info@SocialEntrepreneurForum.com

Since this is a Social Entrepreneurial blog there is a possibility to earn a decent income providing this service to these organizations. Please indicate in your e-mail if this is something you’d like to know more about.

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Being a “Poor” Non-profit Worker is not a Criteria for Making a Difference

May 24

Posted by admin in General

I just read this great article on a blog at www.change.org.  Its really great and explains just why I’m so passionate about social entrepreneurship.

People all over this country want to make a difference but want to live a good life as well. When I was younger I considered going off to the Peace Corp and “volunteering.”

However, I had financial responsibilities to manage.  Not only that, but the rumors that organizations like these are no more than a hide out for the CIA and are used to secretly control other countries really let the wind out of my sails.

My desire was simple. I just wanted to do some good in the world…and not have to live on welfare myself for choosing to do so.   In fact it is actually my preference to create great success for myself in the process. I’m sure many of you can relate.

Check out this article and let me know what you thing…

Do Low Nonprofit Salaries Drive Young People to Social Enterprise?

by Nathaniel Whittemore

categories: Dissent, Millennial Generation, Society, Trends

Published May 21, 2009 @ 09:00AM PT

Sharon Schneider just wrote a fiery post suggesting that if the nonprofit industry doesn’t get over it’s discomfort with “overhead” and start to pay people better, it’s going to have a harder and harder time competing for talent. It’s worth quoting at length:

For bright kids graduating from college with a mountain of student debt, it’s tough to ask them to choose between $30,000 and a sense of fulfillment and $50,000 with a 401K and good health insurance. The current emphasis on “low overhead” at charitable organizations is leading to a brain drain from the sector that most needs an influx of young workers.

Personally, I find it a bit self-righteous to tell those who want both financial security and the opportunity to make a difference “the nonprofit sector DOES NOT need you.” Really? Because we’ve solved all the world’s problems so effectively and don’t need new ideas and new talent? Because Baby Boomers heading up nonprofits never plan to retire so that new leadership is needed?

You know what? Forget this debate, you’re right. Kids, if you hope for a double bottom-line return on the investment of your own talents and intellect–both social and financial–I’ve got a sector for you. It’s called social enterprise, and they’d love to have all the passion and idealism and ambition and energy you have to offer.

Let the masochistic working poor and their aging institutions whither as talented young people seek to do good and to do well. It may be painful and pointless, but at least they’ll feel good about themselves.

I literally couldn’t agree more. One of the hallmarks of the generation graduating from schools right now is their pragmatism. They’re not seduced by the notion that nonprofits are the only place that they can make a difference and have a career aligned with their values, and far too often, the opportunity costs of toiling in the nonprofit sector just aren’t worth it to them.

This is not a question of entitlement. The argument that people simply should suck it up and deal with the nastier parts of any particular industry is just ringing more and more hollow. The particular crosses that the nonprofit industry bears include low salaries, rigid bureaucracies, and a lack of professional development. But it’s not the only industry where younger professionals are butting up against the status quo.

About a week ago, I linked to a great post by Adrian Young about how the partners of law firms don’t understand Gen Y:

“Generation Y is entitled, lazy, selfish, tech savvy, and incompetent,” is how Scott Greenfield, one of the finest criminal defense attorneys in NY, started off the panel….

…Just at this moment the voice of my generation stepped in, “I spent years as an associate, I hit all my metrics- but I didn’t want to become partner. Its no secret that focusing on making as much money as possible ruined many of these older partners’ personal lives.” said Anthony Zana, he is now Corporate Counsel for Intergraph Corporation- where he left behind the billable hour.

“I’ve seen too many successful partners on their 3rd and 4th marriage- and I did not want that to be me.” Anthony added. “Even the ABA reports that depression, suicide, divorce, and alcoholism rates are higher for attorneys that work those types of hours.”

Adrian goes on to argue that “lifestyle” is the more important currency than money to the Millennials (or Gen Y, or whatever you want to call us). I’d add, in the context of this blog, that it’s about meaning, values, and freedom.

On the lower financial end (and this is where the nonprofit industry needs to shape up) its about freedom from debt and constantly looking behind you to see if there’s any unpaid bills lurking, among other things. On the reverse, career fulfillment has to involve freedom from the constant, unyielding, and suffocating pressure of being “on the clock”

I would argue that this is healthy for all these industries. Frankly (and this will seem ironic coming from me for those who know me off line), America has a pretty messed up relationship with work. Returning to a more holistic sense of fulfillment that involves the sort of financial freedoms mentioned above but includes being able to enact our values, connect and stay close with friends, family and community, and having time to learn and think and care and do is pretty essential, if you ask me, for the sanity and long term safety of our society.

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