Fledge is not just about helping create new conscious companies, it is also about adding to the entrepreneurial infrastructure in order to grow the whole conscious ecosystem. An ecosystem which includes: talent, education, mentorship, gathering spaces, events, incubation, acceleration, and funding.
One great existing piece of “infrastructure” in this ecosystem is the Social Innovation Fast Pitch. a.k.a. SIFP.
SIFP is an annual event, which begins with an intensive series of workshops and coaching sessions and ends with a fast-paced, public presentation in front of judges, in a room full of donors, investors and community leaders.
SIFP participants run the gamut of social entrepreneurs. From the SIFP website:
SIFP programs are relevant for nonprofit, hybrid and for-profit business models that address critical social issues with business rigor and the promise of sustainability. The business models should provide investors with attractive social and/or financial returns. For-profit entities which apply for SIFP should ensure that the social mission is deeply embedded in, and a central component of, the business model.
The SIFP program is open to social entrepreneurs and non-profits, as well as to new programs in existing agencies, with the most fundamental requirement being that any applicant must be operating in and have substantial impact in the Puget Sound area. Social innovation of all forms will be competitive for SIFP 2012. Example areas we expect to see significant innovation in include:
– Protecting and sustaining our environment.
– Educating everyone, from cradle to career.
– Strengthening individuals’ health, and that of the entire community.
– Empowering our youth as social entrepreneurs.
Applications will be accepted starting May 4th at: http://sifp.net/apply with the final presentations on October 18, 2012.
If you are applying to Fledge, please also apply to SIFP. If you are a for-profit applying to SIFP, please apply to Fledge.
We are both here to help, in overlapping, but different ways, and working to better coordinate our efforts in the future.
