the Global Social Benefit Incubator

Up to 20 ventures will be selected and enrolled in the six-month program, each receiving a scholarship to participate. Those selected will be notified in early September.

GSBI Online helps early-stage social enterprises that have the potential to create significant social impact through financially sustainable operations. Each accepted entrepreneur will be guided by two mentors who will provide hands-on assistance: an experienced Silicon Valley corporate-level executive, and a local in-country executive.

The rigorous, structured curriculum will last from October 2013 through March 2014. Successful participants will graduate armed with a fundable plan for scaling their organization, including a business-plan summary presentation, an “elevator pitch,” and a one-year operating plan.

GSBI Online Overview

GSBI Online focuses on organizations which have the potential to create significant social impact and to conduct financially sustainable operations. Compared to our program for more advanced enterprises, the GSBI Accelerator, GSBI Online targets earlier stage social enterprises.

The curriculum uses GSBI’s proven methodology, is available on-demand, and incorporates best practices of online learning. Working at their own pace over a maximum of seven months, each entrepreneur will participate in nine online modules, guided by both a GSBI-provided Silicon Valley mentor and a local mentor, identified by the entrepreneur (with GSBI’s assistance if required).

What the GSBI Online modules will focus on

• Mission, opportunity, strategies
• External environment
• Target market segmentation
• Value chain analysis
• Organization and human resources
• Business model
• Success metrics
• 1-year operating plan
• Financing strategy

What will the program will teach

GSBI Online uses a tested approach of high-touch one-to-one mentoring with successful Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and CEOs with a structured curriculum delivered entirely online and designed to create the following tangible outputs:

• Business plan summary
• Elevator pitch
• 1-year operating plan
• Innovation profile (a 2-page overview/executive summary used for marketing purposes)

Entrepreneurs are expected to dedicate 5 to 10 hours/week over the six months of the program, working with their mentors to complete lessons by assigned deadlines. Program completion is marked by a final graduation presentation delivered by the entrepreneur to an audience of investors, mentors, and GSBI staff.

Who should Apply

Those who want to create a sustainable, scalable business with a social impact-based mission and are beyond the idea stage. Applicants should already have tested their product or service, have established proof of concept and identified a sustainable business model.

How to Apply

Begin the application process by filling out the application form with details about you and your enterprise.

The 2013 GSBI application form consists of the following core elements:

• Leadership team
• Overview of the organization
• Organization’s vision, goals, impact and market
• Budget summary
• Challenges & opportunities

Download the application form from this link to prepare your answers. When you are ready, paste your answers into the online application form. Your application will be treated confidentially.

The Application Form helps us better understand your organization’s purpose, history, and future goals; it also provides us with some basic data on your funding sources and cost structure.

Please tell us about the challenges you have been facing as well as your organization’s strengths and the opportunities you see to further develop your good work.

Selection Process

We will select up to 20 applicant organizations to receive a scholarship for participation in the next cohort of GSBI Online.

The upcoming cohort of GSBI Online will start in October 2013 and go through March 2014. It will consist of online, mentored exercises that are designed to create a business plan summary presentation with a credible financing strategy.

We will begin accepting applications April 22, 2013. All interested entrepreneurs should apply by completing the online application form by July 15, 2013.
For More Information:

The Global Social Benefit Incubator Brochure

GSBI Online Application Form

Apply Now for The Global Social Benefit Incubator Program 2013