Great news, Charlotte–we launched our 4th annual SEED20 program yesterday! Individuals and nonprofits in Mecklenburg and bordering counties can download program details and the application at www.SEED20.org. The deadline for submission is October 31, 2014.
As those of you familiar with the program know, SEED stands for Social Entrepreneurs EmpowereD. It’s SVP’s way to identify, spotlight and support twenty of the region’s most innovative and effective ideas for tackling pressing social challenges. The program aligns directly with our mission of growing and empowering the region’s vibrant social entrepreneur community. Since SEED20’s inception, we have coached, supported, and showcased over 50 organizations and individuals and given out over $160,000 in awards to nonprofit social entrepreneurs.
In early December, we will announce the twenty participants selected to be part of the 2015 program. Starting in January, the SEED20 Class of 2015 will receive seven weeks of training, coaching, feedback, and mentoring on how to succinctly and powerfully tell their story. The SEED20 program culminates in SEED20 OnStage! on March 3, 2015, a high-energy event where up to ten members of the Class of 2015 compete to win cash awards. Each finalist will make a three-minute pitch to a panel of judges and an audience of business and nonprofit leaders, foundation executives, and other community members. Following the formal program, SVP hosts a showcase reception where the audience can interact and network with all twenty SEED20 Class participants.
What happens after the lights dim? All twenty participants become part of our growing SEED20 alumni network, which meets regularly throughout the year for networking, education, and career development opportunities hosted and facilitated by SVP Partners and community supporters. Since SEED20 began, we’ve seen strong and fruitful collaborations blossom between SEED participants, several of whom didn’t know about each other before participating in the program. The SEED20 alumni network aims to foster and strengthen those relationships–between nonprofits and members of our Partnership. We love offering opportunities for such a great group of leaders to know and grow together and appreciate getting to support Charlotte’s nonprofit community in this unique way!
Click here to watch a highlight video from last year’s SEED20 OnStage!
