CHARLOTTE, NC – SEED20, the nonprofit social entrepreneur competition launched by Social Venture Partners Charlotte, has just announced the 10 finalists from the inaugural SEED20 Class of 2012 to pitch their ideas live at SEED20Unleashed! on March 6, 2012. They are:
- Charlotte Community ToolBank
- Charlotte Teachers Institute
- Circle de Luz
- Friendship Gardens
- Inspire the Fire
- Grub to Grub
- The Relatives
- Second Helping of Charlotte
- Silent Images
- Sow Much Good
At this one-of-a-kind event, to be held at UNC Charlotte’s new Center City Building from 5:30-9 pm, these 10 finalists will make three-minute “pitches” to a panel of five judges as well as an audience of business, academic and nonprofit leaders, foundation executives, the media and others engaged in the growth of social value in our region. Over 250 individuals have already signed up for the event, and it promises to be a great evening of socializing, learning, and celebrating the great social innovations going on in the Charlotte Region. Tickets are on sale at seed20.eventbrite.com.
The 2012 SEED20 judging panel includes: Molly Barker, Founder, Girls on the Run; Mike Elliott, Managing Partner, Noro-Moseley Partners; Beth Hardin, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, UNC Charlotte; Dewey Norwood, Community Affairs Officer, Wells Fargo; and Mark Peres, Founder and President, Charlotte Viewpoint. Four grants totaling $30,000 will be awarded as follows: Judging Panel First and Second Place Awards of $15,000 and $7,500, respectively; Coaches Award of $5,000; and People’s Choice award of $2,500.
Finalists were selected after six weeks of rigorous coaching sessions where the Class of 2012 honed the content and delivery of their messages. “This group of entrepreneurs brings a broad array of innovative and powerful ideas to help all of us work toward an ever stronger and healthier community,” said Susan Daniel, Executive Director of SVP Charlotte. “I look forward to hearing our 10 finalists share with a broader audience on March 6th at SEED20Unleashed!”
SEED stands for Social Entrepreneurs Empowered, and the competition aligns with SVP Charlotte’s mission by helping to grow the region’s social entrepreneur community. SEED20 (www.seed20.org) is made possible with investors Wells Fargo, Knight Foundation, and UNC Charlotte as well as strategic 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.
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.
