In this issue: Behind the scenes in cohort recruiting; Stronger together: when SEs merge No Images? Click here
Behind the scenes: Takeaways from our cohort selection processAfter receiving more than 100 applications for Social Entrepreneurship at the Margins (SEM), our newest program, entrepreneurs repeatedly reported that this is the first accelerator addressing the specific challenges and opportunities for those serving the most vulnerable in our communities. In her latest blog, Miller Center program manager Marie Haller shares her initial takeaways from recruiting social enterprises working to improve the lives of refugees, immigrants, and human trafficking survivors. READ MORE→
Social enterprises merge in search of scale“Scale” is a nebulous and elusive concept in the social enterprise ecosystem. However, if the community is to make any tangible progress toward the social impact objective it seeks to achieve, like energy access for all, or access to clean water and sanitation, scale is an essential topic for us to wrestle with. The recent merger of Pollinate Energy and Empower Generation, two of our Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI®) alumni social enterprises, provides a look at a new and rarely seen avenue toward scale. READ MORE→
We're ready for impactSpring brings the much-anticipated season of graduation into our lives. The alumni from Miller Center’s Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI®) accelerator are not all that different from a graduate you may know. The social entrepreneurs who participate in either GSBI Boost, Online, or In-Residence accelerator programs devote themselves to rigorous training and executive mentorship. Miller Center is unique because it does not charge the social entrepreneurs who participate in any GSBI accelerator programs. Their experience is fully funded through the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations who believe in the change-making power of impact. To ensure GSBI can continue its gold-standard programs in perpetuity, Miller Center has established the GSBI Endowment. Would you join us in equipping social entrepreneurs to end global poverty and protect the planet through your gift to the GSBI Endowment today? GIVE TODAY→
In the news, announcements & moreGSBI® BOOST | We're teaming up with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County to run a San Francisco Bay Area GSBI Boost, a 3-day capacity building workshop specifically for social entrepreneurs that are impacting the lives of those in need in the Bay Area. In addition to learning more about strategic thinking for long-term impact, growth, and financial sustainability, attending enterprises will also be able to network with other business leaders in the Bay Area, as well as have the opportunity to matriculate into the GSBI Online accelerator. The event comes at no charge to those selected. Apply by June 1! INNOVATIVE PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR | Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship is delighted to announce Dr. Tonya Nilsson as this year’s “Innovative Professor of the Year”. The selection committee for the award, made up of the 2017 Global Social Benefit Fellows cohort, recognized Nilsson for her effective and accommodating teaching style. Her impact can be felt even outside the classroom, where she serves as an advisor for Engineers Without Borders and the Society of Women Engineers, using her background and expertise in the field to help create positive global change. Read more about her contributions on our blog. INC'S 30 UNDER 30 | Congratulations to GSBI alumnus Karim Abouelnaga, CEO of Practice Makes Perfect, for making it onto Inc's 30 under 30 list. Practice Makes Perfect provides summer academic enrichment programs to inner-city public schools across New York City. Coming from a background where higher education was not easily accessible, Abouelnaga wanted to find a way to help kids in similar situations. CREATING BALANCE | As is the case with many social enterprises, balancing social and for-profit goals without tipping too far to one side can often be a challenge for institutions. Challenging, however, does not mean impossible. This 10-year case study of 2004 GSBI alum Digital Divide Data looks at how a business can grapple with its hybrid identity in the long-term through adopting a method called structured flexibility. Read more about the approach here. CONGRATULATIONS | A round of applause to Mathias Craig, co-founder and executive director of 2008 GSBI alum blueEnergy Group, who was honored by Midland School for his Environmental and Social Leadership work. blueEnergy provides renewable energy, clean drinking water, and sanitation to some of Central America and Africa’s most marginalized communities. Read more about their impact here. NOTE FROM EDITOR | In the April 24 newsletter, it was stated that SCU alumnus Thomas Wheeler founded CocoAsenso, but he did not. The founders are Asa Feinstein and Jun Radaza. Wheeler is on the launch team.
Out & about with Miller CenterMiller Center for Social Entrepreneurship is a pioneer when it comes to accelerating social enterprises, so you'll find our team at a variety of events across the globe. We're actively accompanying entrepreneurs on their journeys and sharing our learnings with others in the ecosystem. If our paths may cross, please reach out to us - we'd enjoy connecting! Please note some listed events are not open to the public.
Missed one of our newsletter editions? Click here for Miller Center's newsletter archive. ABOUT US Miller Center's Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI®) helps social entrepreneurs help more people. Since 2003 we have accelerated over 893 social entrepreneurs, who have raised over $662M, and positively impacted the lives of over 267M people. Headline photos courtesy of Makers Unite. Unless otherwise indicated, all other images and photography are property of Santa Clara University. |