Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition, University of Washington

Venue: Online
Date: GSEC Week: February 27 – March 2, 2012
Other deadlines:
November 9, 2011: GSEC Applications due (8 am GMT Pacific Time)
Accepting applications starting July 25, 2011November 9 – Dec 5, 2011: Application Review
December 2011: GSEC Week teams selected, paired with mentors
January 19, 2012: GSEC full business plan, one page summary drafts due
February 16, 2012: GSEC final business plan, one page summary, one PowerPoint slide due
The Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GSEC) is a leading-edge international social venture plan competition, where interdisciplinary student teams from around the world propose creative, commercially viable businesses aimed at reducing poverty in the developing world.  From solar-powered modular power generators in Papua New Guinea, to prickless anemia scanners in India, to mobile wind turbines in Kazakhstan, to sustainable agriculture in Zimbabwe, GSEC business plans demonstrate the power of business to create sustainable, positive change to some of the world’s most challenging social problems. Each year, GSEC brings the world to UW: a select group of semi-finalist student teams from around the globe are invited to Seattle for GSEC Week. Teams visit regional companies, present their business ideas to judges, and compete for up to US$30,000 prizes that go to the most innovative social business ideas targeting poverty alleviation in developing economies.
GSEC provides cross-cultural, transformational practical learning experiences for student participants to hone their business skills, expand their networks, and access new resources.  Through exposure to iconic global companies, a vibrant international development sector, leading research institutions, GSEC Week provides exclusive opportunities for semi-finalist teams to benefit from invaluable resources and expertise in the Seattle region. Each year more than 150 professionals provide invaluable expertise and resources as mentors, judges, and sponsors.  We welcome this essential support, from individuals at organizations like Costco, Gray Ghost Ventures, Microsoft, PATH, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Smith Barney, Seattle International Foundation, the Grameen Foundation, and the Washington Global Health Alliance.
Please click here to register