The Winter 2013 program runs through April 25th Fledge, the “conscious company” incubator has invited seven new, impactful companies to come work with us within HUB Seattle, every day for 10 weeks. These seven were chosen from amongst over 60 applicants, invited due to their potential impact on the world and the strength of their teams. Plus, we’re excited to see these teams...
All around the world, entrepreneurs are starting companies to solve some of the world’s biggest environmental and social problems. These are the companies of the 21st Century. So why should these cutting-edge companies use ancient corporate structures? Benefit Corporations, LC3s, Social Purpose Corporations–these are the latest innovations in governing mission-focused businesses for the...
It takes far more than a business incubator to create a thriving ecosystem…
More money than ever is flowing into impact investing, yet many entrepreneurs creating companies that serve the poor still find it difficult to raise capital, particularly at the early stages of their company’s growth. (Originally posted on the Stanford Social Innovation Review) Husk Power Systems, a growing social business, burns rice husks to generate power and provide electricity to low...
What other city has a Mayor who can tell a story in just five minutes?
Listen below to Mayor Mike McGinn at Ignite Seattle talk about Seattle, the city of the future. A talk not too much different from his opening remarks at #SocEnt Weekend: Next 50, and at the opening of the Center for Impact and Innovation.
The past month in Seattle has seen an incredible surge of efforts around sustainable, conscious, impactful business. Showcased across four events, more than four dozen emerging, impactful, social enterprises have shared their stories with the city and with the world. The tsunami of activity began on September 23rd at the Fledge “Demo Day”, where seven “fledgling” companies shared their visions...
Fledge is exceedingly happy to announce today that it has received certification as a B Corporation. What exactly is a B Corporation? These are companies which realize that capitalism can be a force of good in the world. Companies that can be a benefit to the world. The “B” in B Corporation stands for “benefit”. These are companies which believe that shareholder values...
What can be done to improve the world in a single weekend? A whole lot more than you probably think. The world is full of big, important problems. Issues of sustainability, pollution, community, unemployment, etc. The 50 attendees of #SocEnt Weekend: Next 50 spent last weakened with the goal of solving some of these problems, while learning about social enterprise and having fun doing it...
Bloom is an event focused on innovation in sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. Eight speakers will share their stories; what’s new and what’s making an impact. We want our attendees to leave the event with their minds expanded and hearts inspired by learning about what people are building for a more sustainable world. We’ve got a killer lineup of speakers...
Ready to try your hand at being a social entrepreneur? Have an idea that you would like to turn into a company, but are not sure where to start, or what to do next? Or are you eager to join the movement of socially-minded companies, with no idea of your own, but talents to share with others? #SocEnt Weekend is a 50-hour, one-weekend, hands-on workshop, where you can learn how to be a social...