March 14, 2013
The International Impact Investing Challenge is a pitch competition focused on designing investment vehicles that create sustainable impact and are of the size and scope to attract institutional investors. Graduate students are challenged to propose and defend a sustainable impact investment strategy that uses finance and investment tools to create an innovative solution to an environmental or societal challenge. I3C is an opportunity to apply the core principles in the MBA finance curriculum to solve some of the most challenging issues of our times: water, energy, food, a growing middle class, climate change, education, healthcare.
I3C was created to shape the next generation of finance professionals interested in a career in impact investing, to link students with impact investing industry professionals, and to influence the discussion in finance groups at business schools around the world. I3C teams are encouraged to think across and apply the entire spectrum of investment tools, styles and asset classes to address this challenge. I3C is about harnessing finance and student creativity to create instruments of positive impact and change.
Teams of graduate students are invited to submit a two-page prospectus by 3/14/2013 at 5:00 PM CST that outlines an innovative financial vehicle for impact investment that would be of interest to an institutional investor. The proposal should appropriately address the guidelines provided. From submitted proposals, ten finalist teams will be announced by 3/27/2013. These teams will present their proposal to a panel of judges at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. on 4/26/2013. A selection panel of experienced investors and officers who currently manage family foundations, pension funds, university endowments, etc. will review the pitches. Judging criteria reward high performance, sustainability-driven investments with social or environmental impact. Portfolios are judged for an understanding of the interdependence among business, society and the environment for a competitive advantage.
March 9, 2013
You can make a social change. This event, co-sponsored by the Lokey Net Impact of Mills College, The B Lab, and the i-Immersion Institute, is the premier event for students, professionals and educators to explore the innovation within our community. We are bringing together more than 100 participants to join us from all over the San Francisco Bay Area and dynamic speakers from the Socially Responsible Business sector to share their vision and success stories. Come and be inspired!
February 22, 2013
Since 2004, Tufts Gordon Institute’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program has sponsored an annual business plan competition that awards $100k in cash and in-kind services (legal and advisory services) to the winning teams. If you have a great business or social venture idea we want to hear from you!
The Tufts $100k Business Plan Competition includes both a Classic Venture Competition and a Social Entrepreneurship Competition. Profiled by Forbes as one of the 15 biggest university-sponsored competitions, the $100k Business Plan Competition is intended to encourage commercialization of innovation within Tufts University.
A University-wide event, the competition draws, alumni, faculty and undergraduate and graduate applicants from multiple schools including Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Fletcher and Sackler.
This year we’ve streamlined the submission process, now only requiring responses to the followingquestions.
Submissions for the 2013 competition are due: February 22
February 20, 2013
Fletcher Students,
The Fletcher School and Johns Hopkins SAIS Net Impact Chapters would like to invite you to an internationally focused Net Impact happy hour. Come make new connections and network with people working on projects around the globe. Meet DC professionals and graduate students interested in social enterprise, private sector development, environment, energy, CSR, impact investing, and more.
Thursday, February 23, 5-7pm The Darlington House Cantina 1610 20th Street NW DC (20th & Connecticut)
Technology Track 
Focus: The track will focus on organizations that utilize or act as enablers for the development and adoption of technologies that employ less energy, consume fewer natural resources and drive social improvements to address the global environment and social issues. Panelists will include participants from public and private companies as well as NGO organizations. These representatives will speak from a variety of perspectives (consultants, investors and entrepreneurs) on panels that focus on local, domestic or international technology expertise. Topics may cover:
- The Energy Outlook
- Sustainable Technologies for the Developing World
- Technology Innovations in Sustainability
Finance Track 
Focus: The panels will bring together an array of organizations committed to providing financial capital and mission-support to development initiatives both domestically and internationally. Panelists will include individuals from the nonprofit and for-profit sectors to discuss business models, success stories and lessons learned. Topics may cover:
- Bringing Microfinance Home: Adapting for America
- Which Money? Exploring the Spectrum of Philanthropy, Grants, Debt, Equity and Impact Investing
- The Democratization of Giving
Social Track 
Focus: The panels will bring together education, health and community development experts to analyze and discuss the steps needed to address these issues locally and at the national level. Panelists will include individuals from NGOs, academia and for-profit organizations. Topics may cover:
- How is Education Reform Really Happening?
- Is It Scalable? Duke & Global Health
- A Lesson in Community Development – Durham
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Sustainability Track 
Focus: The track will focus on organizations that leverage sustainability not only for environmental benefits, but also as a value proposition to drive the success of their businesses. Panelists will include companies promoting sustainable brands, operations, and consulting services. Topics may cover:
- Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s and B-Lab: Bringing Values to Consumers
- Sustainability Projects Helping the Bottom Line
- Who’s Willing to Pay for Sustainability?
February 9, 2013 – February 10, 2013
The 2013 Social Enterprise Conference
Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 11:00 AM - Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 6:00 PM (EST)
Boston, United States
The Social Enterprise Conference hosts speakers and panelists with a wealth of knowledge and experience in innovative, cross-sectoral approaches to addressing social issues. Throughout the Conference, participants have opportunities to learn from experts, network with others in the field, and explore a wide variety of career opportunities. This year’s conference will feature:
- 1,500 conference participants including practitioners and students
- More than 125 panelists and speakers
- Approximately 40 panels and workshops on the latest topics in social enterprise
- Expanded practitioner-focused Saturday program to include more workshops, small-group brunches, and networking reception
- Networking opportunities to meet with leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit fields
- Social Enterprise Career Fair
- Pitch for Change Business Plan Competition
Join us this year! Information on panels, workshops and speakers will be available on our website soon.
Conference on Saturday, February 9, 2013
It is free to attend, but RSVPs are required. We have already reached capacity; sign up here to be on our waitlist.
Anyone who runs a venture in a low- or middle-income country knows about complexities of achieving scale. This is an opportunity to explore strategies, models and resources that will help development ventures as they grow.
Our speakers have forged a path in this space and will share success stories to inspire and lessons learned to inform. They come from a variety of industries and operate in markets across the globe, like India, Brazil, Ghana, Indonesia and Tanzania.
In addition, nine rising MIT teams will introduce their ventures and discuss their efforts to date. You can meet teams here. As an attendee, you’ll have time to broaden your network, share what you know and learn from applied wisdom.
January 26, 2013
The Rotman Net Impact Case Competition is a unique opportunity for MBA students to devise an innovative and practical solution for a complex case involving problems of corporate strategy and social responsibility.
A panel of top industry experts will be judging the competition, with finalists competing for cash prizes, recognition and a chance to make an impact on one of Canada’s largest firms.
