San Diego Social Enterprise Venture Competition Symposium 

The San Diego Social Enterprise Venture Competition & Symposium features nonprofit organizations that have mission-related products/services that can expand their impact AND income. A variety of different enterprises are being developed. Congratulations to the four finalists, who have been selected based on seven social and financial criteria:

Community Coaching Center

Global Autism Project

SD Futures Foundation

Shakti Rising 

Finalists will compete for over $15,000 in cash and pro bono services with a TEN minute presentation on their business model. The panel of judges will include both social and private potential investors who value “double bottom” line businesses.

The Symposium is being hosted by the University of San Diego’s Institute for Nonprofit Education and Research at the SOLES Theatre and will also feature a keynote presentation by Paul Lamb, “Where’s the Beef--Sources of Seed-Funding for Social Enterprises.” Lamb, Principal of Man on a Mission Consulting, is a long time social entrepreneur and nonprofit professional. He has built several successful nonprofit organizations and social enterprises in the areas of youth, workforce development, and technology. He was named the 2006 University of California, San Diego Alumnus of the Year, and was awarded the California Governor’s Technology & Innovation Award in 2002.

The Social Enterprise Venture Competition is sponsored by Wells Fargo. It is being managed by the Academies for Social Entrepreneurship and NP Strategies, with support from Nonprofit Management Solutions, SAN DAN, Step Up, SD Social Venture Partners, Tech Coast Angels, CONNECT, UC San Diego Extension and the University of San Diego.

Directions to USD Campus

From the North: Use I-5 South, exit Sea World Dr. & Tecolote Rd. and proceed left at stoplight toward Morena Blvd. Turn right on Morena, left on Napa, and left on Linda Vista Rd. Travel to USD's West entrance, turn left and enter campus. Park in the lower parking lot and take the tram or walk up the hill to Mother Rosalie Hall/School of Leadership Education Services building which is the first on your left.

From the South (or the airport): Use I-5 North, exit Morena Blvd. (signs will say: Morena Blvd. use I-8 East) Stay to the right and follow the signs for Morena Blvd. Take the first right onto Linda Vista Rd. Travel to USD's West entrance, turn left and enter campus. Park in the lower parking lot and take the tram or walk up the hill to Mother Rosalie Hall/School of Leadership Education Services building which is the first on your left.

Parking & Building Location

Once you have passed through the WEST entrance gate, turn left and park in the lower parking lot . Then take the tram or walk up the hill to School of Leadership Education Services building (aka Mother Rosalie Hall) which is the first building on your left. The symposium is taking place in the building auditorium (SOLES Theatre).