Watch the Video of the March 19, 2016 Showdown: https://youtu.be/zdkxE-563dM
The SocEnt Challenge was a 6 month program (December through May) that provided training, mentoring and business plan/pitch development for early stage social enterprises. Contestants were for-profit, not-for-profit or hybrid with domestic or international operations. We sought social enterprises that have a proven concept, indicated by either having been in operation for at least three months and having begun selling their product or by having outside investors. The Challenge focused on linking the most promising enterprises with the leading social venture philanthropists in Southern California.
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The SocEnt Venture Challenge was produced by Academies for Social Entrepreneurship (www.academies-se.org). ASE catalyzes innovative solutions to social problems by providing training, mentoring and resource development for social entrepreneurs. Founded in 2009, ASE’s unique programming has so far expanded capacity for over two hundred and fifty social entrepreneurs, producing nearly 10 million dollars in new investment and earned income streams. ASE is led by Betsy Densmore, an entrepreneur and educator with extensive management experience in both the business and social sectors.
ASE partnered with Rich Tafel who first piloted this investor-oriented model in Michigan. His article in Forbes explains some of the unique features which were developed there and used again last fall in a smaller competition hosted by Saddleback College. Rich’s organization, Public Squared focuses on bridging the gap between grass roots innovators and global investors as well as the divides between partisan political ideologies of Republicans and Democrats, business investors and social sector leaders. |
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Presenting Sponsor
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Saddleback College is the first choice for students seeking a dynamic, innovative, and student-centered postsecondary education, and is taking the lead in social entrepreneurship. In 2014, Saddleback was the first community college in the United States to sponsor a global social entrepreneurship competition, allowing hundreds of entrepreneurs to present innovative business solutions to persistent social problems, and giving finalists the opportunity to meet world-class social impact investors. Saddleback enriches the lives of its students and community by providing a comprehensive array of degree, certificate, transfer, and lifelong learning programs that foster innovation, partnership, sustainability, and excellence.
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Contributing Sponsors [Those providing talent and treasure to make the Soc Ent Challenge possible.]
The Annenberg Foundation is a family foundation established in 1989 by Walter H. Annenberg, publisher and ambassador. The Foundation supports the worldwide community through its grant making, technical assistance and direct charitable activities.
The mission of the California Community Foundation is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles’ communities. They envision a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health and well-being of the region. Their funding is directed to outreach, coaching and prizes for L.A. County-based organizations.
Since 1924, Goodwill of Orange County has impacted thousands of lives in Orange County with mission-focused, social enterprises model programs. These businesses, which “reduce, re-use and recycle”, create hundreds of jobs for those facing barriers to employment. Goodwill currently has 23 retail stores across the county, a thriving online shopping destination and partners with more than 255 local Orange County companies who hire Goodwill-trained workers. Last year alone, Goodwill changed 16,803 lives and helped these individuals who got jobs earn more than $28 million. To learn more about Goodwill of Orange County, visit ocgoodwill.org.
Pacific Western Bank is a Los Angeles-based commercial bank with over $21 billion in assets. Pacific Western provides commercial banking services, including real estate, construction, and commercial loans, to small and medium-sized businesses through 80 full-service branches in California.
The Slow Money national organization uses national gatherings, regional events and local activities to encourage investment in small food enterprises throughout the United States. Through the local network, Slow Money Southern California, we are able to facilitate the mission. To date, over $45 million has been invested. Slow Money Southern California is one of 24 local networks and 13 investment clubs around the country. At last report 31,455 people have signed the Slow Money Principles.
Strategic Partners [groups that we are working with to identify and fund the most promising ventures]
CA Association of Micro Enterprise Organizations
CA Community Economic Development Association
Impact HUB LA
Innovate OC
Net Impact
Originate Labs
Opportunity Fund
Pacific Community Ventures
Small Business Finance CDFI
Social Enterprise Alliance
Social Venture Partners
Tech Coast Angels
Tech Coast Venture Network
Tri tech Small Business Development Center
CA Community Economic Development Association
Impact HUB LA
Innovate OC
Net Impact
Originate Labs
Opportunity Fund
Pacific Community Ventures
Small Business Finance CDFI
Social Enterprise Alliance
Social Venture Partners
Tech Coast Angels
Tech Coast Venture Network
Tri tech Small Business Development Center
