ICTworks

Back in 2007, I was fortunate enough to attend the 5th annual Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI), a capacity-building program for up to 20 social ventures ready to scale their enterprises with the help of seasoned Silicon Valley start-up veterans and Santa Clara University faculty.

Jim Koch, Professor of Management at Santa Clara University, Co-Founder and Director of GSBI, says:

The GSBI brings together grass roots innovators and Silicon Valley executive mentors with university faculty to support the scaling of innovative solutions that serve the common good all over the world. Through the access to world-class resources, participating social benefit entrepreneurs will be able to accelerate the impact of their innovations. This is a transformational program for people with the power and vision to change the world.

And he’s right about its transformational nature. What I learned at the GSBI, I still apply on a daily basis in my ICT4D work.

Now its time for you to apply to GSBI!

For 2011, GSBI will continue it’s emphasis on social entrepreneurs who are using technology and sustainable, scalable business models to provide electricity to the under-served in developing countries. Up to one-third of the GSBI scholarships are being targeted to social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that address the unmet needs of peoples and communities who are off-the-grid or suffer frequent disruptions in their energy supplies.

The 20 selected entrepreneurs receive four months of on-line mentoring and assignments, culminating in their attendance at a motivating two-week in-residence program Aug. 7 – 19, 2011, at Santa Clara University. GSBI scholarships cover tuition, room, and board for the two-week intensive immersion program focused on venture planning, beneficiary analysis, business models, metrics and successful scaling strategies. Selected candidates are responsible for their own travel expenses.

The winners will be announced no later than April 1, 2011, but you only have the chance to be one of them if you apply today!