Overview

SEED20 is a high-profile, high-impact event to support social entrepreneurship in the Charlotte area and create visibility for innovative social entrepreneurs. The program is a communications skills training and mentoring program for nonprofits and entrepreneurs who are or desire to be effecting social change in the Charlotte region. The program culminates in the SEED20 Unleashed! competition and showcase to be held in March 6, 2012 in the UNCC's Center City building. Social Venture Partners Charlotte is producing the program with Topics Education as the Strategic Marketing Partner.  Wells Fargo, the Knight Foundation and UNCC are the program's investors.

Twenty individuals or nonprofits will be selected based on their innovative approaches to creating social change and their potential for significant positive community impact. During the course of six weeks, they will receive training, feedback and mentoring from business and community leaders. Expected outcomes for the participants include:

   -   greater confidence and effectiveness when making presentations
   -   increased exposure for their organization/idea
   -   valuable new relationships with business, community, and nonprofit leaders
   -   new/additional financial donations
   -   increased volunteer support.

The SEED20 Unleashed! competition is a high-energy, fast-moving presentation. At the event, ten finalists will make three minute "pitches" to a panel of judges and an audience of business and nonprofit leaders, foundation executives and anyone interested in learning about and supporting innovation in the social sector in the region. The finalists share their vision and model, and compete to win grants totaling up to $30,000. Following the formal program, there is a showcase reception where attendees can interact and network with the program participants to learn more about their mission, needs and opportunities for support and engagement.

There are several ways to support Social Innovation Carolinas:

   -   Coach: Coaches are an essential part of the training program, and will be sought from business, academic and other leaders throughout the community.
   -   Participate: All interested parties must apply through an online application, which will be available in November 2011.
   -   Attend: Join us March 6, 2012 at the UNCC Center City building.

Click here to see highlights from SVP Los Angeles' 2010 Social Innovation Fast Pitch event.

For more information, please contact Susan Daniel at sdaniel@svpcharlotte.org.