CHARLOTTE, NC – SEED20, the nonprofit social entrepreneur competition launched by Social Venture Partners Charlotte, has just ended its six-week application period with a total of 82 applications from across the Charlotte region.
SEED stands for Social Entrepreneurs Empowered, and the competition — for a prize pool of $30,000 — aligns with SVP Charlotte’s mission by helping to grow the region’s social entrepreneur community. SEED20 (https://edk.wgr.mybluehost.me) is made possible with investors Wells Fargo, Knight Foundation, and UNC Charlotte as well as strategic branding and marketing partner, Topics Education. The competition was open to any individual or nonprofit organization from Mecklenburg or bordering counties with a great idea and a passionate commitment to seeing it impact social change.
“Our goal was to get 50 solid applications from which to select the SEED20,” said Susan Daniel, Executive Director of SVP Charlotte. “To receive 82 is very exciting and a confirmation of the creative spirit and passion of those in our community committed to building a stronger region for all. It will be difficult narrowing the field.”
Now that the application period has ended, SVP Charlotte, has the exciting task of choosing the 20 strongest applications to make up the inaugural SEED20 class. The Selection Committee will be evaluating ideas based on relevance, innovation, and potential for tangible societal impact.
Once announced on January 11, 2012, the SEED20 will receive feedback and extensive coaching on their ideas and presentations through the end of February 2012. From there, the Selection Committee will narrow the list to ten finalists, all of whom will present their ideas at SEED20Unleashed! on March 6, 2012.
At this high-energy event, to be held at UNC Charlotte’s new Center City Campus, all of the SEED20 class will be showcased and the ten finalists will make three-minute “pitches” to a panel of judges and an audience of business, academic and nonprofit leaders, foundation executives, the media and others interested in supporting the growth of social value in our region. Finalists will compete to win a total of $30,000 in grants, and all attendees will have the chance to network and celebrate social entrepreneurs and the energy and ideas they bring to our region.
About Social Venture Partners Charlotte
Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP Charlotte) is a diverse network of engaged individuals who are addressing community needs through a new model of giving – Venture Philanthropy. SVP Charlotte brings the collective expertise, creativity, time and money of our members and their networks to develop and support promising social initiatives and nonprofits. In addition, SVP Charlotte strives to foster a community of socially-conscious and well-informed donors through engagement with Investees, collaboration with other SVP partners, and participation in educational events. To learn more, please visit www.svpcharlotte.org.
