We’re wrapping up another jam-packed day at the Social Enterprise Alliance Summit ’14, filled with lots of energy and positive connections, and the resounding themes of purpose, love and impact measurement. Today was full of amazing sessions that we couldn’t possibly recap in one blog post, but read on for a few highlights!
Dr. Victoria Hale, on the Revolutionary Idea of Medicine for All
Dr. Hale founded the United States’ first nonprofit pharmaceutical company, and told the story of the obstacles she faced developing an organization providing medicines for people of all walks of life. She touched on the risks and leaps of faith a social entrepreneur must take in starting a new venture, and emphasized the benefits of a hybrid social enterprise structure.
Business for Good Contest
This fun session over lunch featured pitches by the finalists for the Business for Good competition, who were chosen from nearly 200 innovative social enterprises around the country who vied for more than $50,000 in awards. The three finalists all did a fantastic job, impressing judges and attendees, who were able to vote via text message. In the end, Hydrobee took the top prize, followed by Conscious Stepand Hero Tech Forge, with all three receiving some prizes.
Keystone Accountability Chief Executive David Bonbright (left) and DePaul President & CEO Dave Shaffer at SEA Summit ’14.
Connecting With Capital: A Kaleidoscopic Conversation About Money
Funding is always a hot topic for social enterprises, and this interactive session brought together a diverse array of funders and social enterprise practitioners who discussed opportunities and challenges to obtaining funding, whether an enterprise is structured as a nonprofit, for-profit or a hybrid. Participants discussed their burning needs for capital and biggest obstacles, and were able to ask some tough questions of the panel, which included DePaul Industries President & CEO Dave Shaffer providing a practitioner perspective.
The Summit wraps up early tomorrow afternoon, but plenty of sessions remain, including an intensive on alternative staffing organizations that we’re really looking forward to!
Continue following Summit ’14 on social media with the hashtag #SEASummit14.
