Now entering its fifth year, the GoodCompany Ventures (GCV) social enterprise accelerator is an initiative aimed at finding innovative solutions to address unmet social needs through for-profit enterprises that can scale for global impact.
The 10 entrepreneurs selected for the 2013 class will share some $500,000 of investment money, GCV says.
To be considered for the GCV 2013 accelerator, entrepreneurs must apply and satisfy the criteria for admission, which relate to innovation, impact and implementation. Entrepreneurs will be admitted on a rolling basis through the deadline.
In its search for the most promising social innovations, GCV says it has recruited entrepreneurs from five continents addressing a broad range of social issues. The program has seen its first 30 graduates succeed in raising over $30 million in venture capital to fuel their respective social innovations.
The entrepreneurs selected for GCV’s 2013 class will be the first beneficiaries of the Philadelphia Social Enterprise Partnership, which adds the resources of the Wharton school and the City of Philadelphia to GCV’s process. Wharton staff and students will drive the development of business strategies for global scale, and government leaders from the City of Philadelphia will support product development with domain expertise regarding the problems, policies and new piloting initiatives to support civic innovation.
The partnership was one of five winners chosen out of a pool of over 300 applicant cities for the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge, which awarded the Philadelphia Social Enterprise Partnership a $1 million prize to implement its innovative proposals to support social entrepreneurs.
“I am pleased to see the City's business community step forward to support entrepreneurs who bring meaningful change to our citizens and the development of Philadelphia as the national hub for social enterprise,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter.
In 2009, Mayor Nutter created the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, which set some 15 sustainability targets in the areas of energy, environment, equity, economy and engagement.
The deadline to apply for the 2013 GoodCompany Ventures (GCV) social enterprise accelerator is fast approaching — submissions must be received by May 10. Applications should be submitted via the GoodCompany website.
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Mike Hower is the founder of Hower Impact — a boutique consultancy delivering best-in-class strategic communication advisory and support for corporate sustainability, ESG and climate tech.
Published Apr 18, 2013 12pm EDT / 9am PDT / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST