To ensure the highest quality of participants, Santa Clara's Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI) selects its social entrepreneurs through a competitive application process as well as from networks like the Tech Awards. The incubator is run by the Center for Science, Technology, and Society (CSTS), which focuses on leveraging science and technology to benefit the majority world.
"The GSBI empowers socially-minded entrepreneurs to build sustainable, scalable organizations and solve problems for people living in poverty around the world," the website explains.
To qualify for the incubator, social entrepreneurs must complete a three-part application, which includes Value Proposition, Target Market Segmentation, and Business Model exercises. Once narrowed down to a group of 40, candidates are interviewed, then 20 or so are granted $25,000 scholarships and entry into the five-month program. The program includes a two-week residency followed by distance learning and mentoring from Silicon Valley executives from companies like IBM, HP, Korora, Cisco, Sun Microsystems, and Skyline Solar.
Alumni who were launched to success by the help of the Global Social Benefit Incubator include Kiva, VisionSpring, Gram Vikas, Digital Divide Data, Lifeline Energy, Fundacion Paraguaya, Video Volunteers, and Teach A Man To Fish.
Contact Information
Global Social Benefit Incubator website
CSTS at Santa Clara University on Facebook
CSTS at Santa Clara University on Twitter
Mission-Focused Mentorship
Global Social Benefit Incubator Launched Kiva, VisionSpring
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