Students worldwide: Win up to 10,000euro for your social enterprise ideas

Global Prize winners 2010

Here's a competition for the students of the world. 
The importance of social entrepreneurship is being recognised worldwide and is becoming ever more prevalent in the 21st century. More competitions than ever before are being created to support the entrepreneurs out there that want to make their mark and change the world for the better. If you are one of them then listen up.


The Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition is a leading edge international social business plan competition. If you are a student in higher education, in any academic institution worldwide, you are eligible to take part! So here's what you need, all applicants must be in interdisciplinary groups with a great business idea aimed at reducing poverty in the developing world. You may have a new renewable energy concept, a plan for implementing sustainable farming in Africa, or a method of producing clean water for all. Whatever your idea it must be viable, whilst also making a real positive impact on the lives of those in countries that are less fortunate.


What is the application process?
GSEC applications go through two rounds of reviews between November-December 2011 to determine the semi-finalist GSEC teams. Semi-finalist teams are then selected and paired with mentors in December. All semi-finalist teams travel to Seattle for GSEC week, Feb-27th- March 2nd 2012, at the University of Washington. The 2012 prizes will be announced in the summer of 2011.


Am I eligible to enter?

• You must be in interdisciplinary teams
• You must be enrolled in a higher academic institution anywhere in the world
• You must have an innovative and viable business idea for tackling the issue of poverty in developing countries
• Teams may be comprised of students from different institutions

What must my business plan include?

As well as information on your business idea, your business plan must demonstrate the Social Return on Investment and also provide a social impact assessment. You business plans will be assessed on the following criteria:

1) effect on the quality of life and poverty alleviation in one or more developing economies

2) financial sustainability

3) feasibility of implementation.

What are the prizes?

The most innovative business ideas will win massive cash prizes to fund the launch of their social ventures or develop them further. 

• Grand Prize: 12,500 euro
• Information communication and technology prize: 10,000 euro
• Global Health Prize- 10,000 euro
• NCIIA Invention to Venture workshop scholarships (only US teams are eligible)

How do I apply?

Review the Rules & Eligibility and the Submission Requirements prior to entering. You can then apply online from July 1st 2011. You can then enter HERE after July 1st 2011.

DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 9TH 2011 (8AM Pacific Standard Time)

Entries open July 1st 2011

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Campaign for your business funding: Indie GoGo

Do you have a great business idea but need funding to get it off the ground? 
Are you working towards a great social cause but need that little extra cash to make it happen?


Find My Funding has been scouring the internet for ways for our entrepreneurial readers to do just that, and here's one we found. Indie GoGo provides a funding platform for people across the world who have a vision and a dream to create something spectacular. Participants create 'campaigns' in which they can make money quickly and securely by tapping into the vast network within Indie GoGo. 


Step 1: Create a professional online funding campaign on one web page.
Step 2: Share your campaign by using powerful promotional tools to raise awareness and increase funding.
Step 3: Collect your contributions quickly and easily online.
Step 4: Track contributions with analytics tools provided 


What campaigns can I create?
Although on Find My Funding we predominantly focus on your business ideas, there are also many other categories including Art, Dance, Health & Causes. For example there is a campaign to 'help a girl see the sights in Europe before her sight deteriorates', which can be found here.


Do I have to pay to create a campaign for my business?
No, the beauty of Indie GoGo is that it is free to begin. However they have to make something out of this hard work therefore they charge a 4% fee on the money raised once you reach your funding goal. There is also a 3% third party payment processors charge, and finally if you are collecting money by credit card then there is a $25 wire fee for non-US campaigns.


Will I lose equity if I raise money with Indie GoGo?
You will retain 100% ownership of your business whilst raising funding via Indie GoGo which is fantastic for small businesses that want to stay in control! However it is suggested that you offer unique perks or tax reductions in lieu of offering profit.


How do I apply?
To start raising funding you first need to create your campaign on Indie GoGo, which can be done on their website HERE


So with tens of thousands of people using Indie GoGo to raise funding for their business, project or cause, it seems like a very viable option for entrepreneurs to check out and see if it is suitable for their business. What we have realised at FMF is that Indie GoGo is not only a way of raising money, but also a great method for gaining exposure for your business on a global level. You never know, you may be approached by some serious investors that love your idea!

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Social entrepreneurs: Compete for £50,000 funding!

Hot off the press: New competition for social entrepreneurs to win £50,000 funding for their business to be launched at the end of May

Calling all Social Entrepreneurs in the UK! We have an unbelievable opportunity for you all to compete for £50,000 funding for your business in a brand new competition hosted by Village Capital London. This competition will be a 12 week development process, where you will be given access to resources and skills to develop your early stage social enterprise.

New 'Hub Venture Labs' will be launched by Venture Capital London, which will act as an incubator space for social ventures to develop their ideas, find support from mentors and gain valuable feedback. Not only will you benefit from this fantastic support, at the end of the 12 week process two lucky winners from the group will be picked by your peers to win the £50,000 prize to fund your businesses.

Am I eligible to apply?

This competition is for early stage Social Enterprises. The criteria is as follows:

• Have a real positive impact on society, the environment or the world
• You must be a passionate and driven individual dedicated to bringing about positive change
• You will need to be available to participate in the 12 week competition
• Your business must have commercial viability. Show evidence that there is a real need and you have thought it through in detail

So how has this competition come about?

"Merism Capital, the UK social impact seed fund, has signed a partnership with US-based Village Capital, a leading incubator programme in the social enterprise space, to run the first Village Capital programme in Europe." Mersim Capital

A few words from the organisers

“I’m a big admirer of Village Capital’s track record of attracting and training great social entrepreneurs. Village Capital London will help to grow the pool of entrepreneurs equipped with the skills needed to build successful social businesses. Being able to leverage Village Capital’s network and experience will provide a fantastic boost to the whole of the impact investment sector in the UK so we’re really excited about launching Village Capital London.”

“Building a successful business is all about relationships,” added Stephen Rockman.  “In addition to their relationships with investors, entrepreneurs also need to build peer support networks for validation and collaboration.  This programme is a great opportunity for them to do just that.”

- Stephen Rockman, founder of Merism Capital.

How do I apply?

Details of the application process will be announced at the end of May. So watch this space and we will update our readers as soon as we hear!

If you want to read further information on this competition, visit the Mersim Capital website HERE

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Raise up to £15,000 for your social enterprise with UnLtd

What is UnLtd?
If you are a social entrepreneur or are in the process of launching a social enterprise then UnLtd is for you! UnLtd is a charity that supports those who want to change the world for the better through developing socially, environmentally and ethically aware organisations. UnLtd Awards provide social entrepreneurs with a fantastic support package and also various funding options. Not only can you gain funding to make your enterprise blossom, the charity is very focused on providing you with training, connections and support every step of the way.

Standard requirements for an UnLtd Award?

• You must be a passionate, driven and caring individual that wants to make a positive change in the world
• Your project must benefit people in the UK
• You must be over 16 years old
• You must spend the money on the social enterprise that you apply with

What packages can I receive?
Level 1 Award
- Individuals or groups with an idea for a social enterprise that will benefit the community can receive between £500 and £5000


For more information and to find out how to apply for a Level 1 Award visit here: 
http://www.unltd.org.uk/template.php?ID=11&PageName=howcaniapplyl1

Level 2 Award
- Approximately 25 level 2 awards every 6 months to exceptional, establishes social enterprises in the UK. The award consists of a £15,000 award to pay for the winners living expenses for 12 months, and an exceptional support package including a range of professional partners.


There is a strict criteria entrepreneurs are expected to meet before applying for this award, more information can be found here: 
http://www.unltd.org.uk/template.php?ID=128&PageName=level2awardsv2



For more information on applying to these Awards and more, visit the UnLtd website

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