On a January afternoon in 2012, two members of Social Venture Partners (SVP) walked into Wells Fargo to pitch an idea that SVP believed would help fuel social innovation in the Charlotte region – a program called SEED20.
“The Wells Fargo Foundation is known for its entrepreneurial spirit,” said Joanne Beam, an SVP Partner. “We felt optimistic that they would be open minded and receptive to taking a risk in funding SEED20. Sure enough, we left with a promise of ‘seed’ money to move forward. With the backing of Wells Fargo and the Knight Foundation, SVP launched its first year of SEED20.”
SEED20 is now in its 7th year of identifying, highlighting, and connecting the community to some of the region’s most promising nonprofit entrepreneurs who are working to address entrenched social problems. From programs serving recently incarcerated men and women to bridging the digital divide and eradicating food deserts, SEED20 draws attention to challenging issues in our community and introduces the programs and organizations that are meeting these challenges. “It has been truly fantastic to watch this program grow thanks to the continued support of Wells Fargo,” said Susan Daniel, SVP Executive Director. “Wells Fargo has sponsored SEED20 every year since 2012, providing funding, strategic counsel, and growth opportunities for many of the nonprofit participants.”
“I remember the day the folks from SVP came to my office to talk about SEED20,” says Jay Everette, Senior Community Relations Manager at Wells Fargo. “I was immediately taken with the concept and the opportunity. What I didn’t realize is that it would become what it is today. When you look at the scope and scale of the number of people who have just been through the SEED20 process, it’s a pretty incredible story!” This year, Wells Fargo has partnered with SVP to serve as the 2018 SEED20 Presenting Sponsor to continue to foster a culture of social innovation in our community.
Come connect with these social innovators at SEED20 OnStage on April 16, 2018 at the Knight Theater. Visit www.SEED20.org for tickets and details.
