Showcase

The Appalachian IDEAS Network invites teams of students from colleges and universities in the Appalachian region to participate in the third annual regional Social Ventures Showcase on April 14, 2007, in Lexington, KY.

In the Showcase, student teams present an original, innovative social venture concept that addresses regional issues and compete for awards totaling $5,000 to help advance their venture beyond the concept stage. Click here for Word doc with detailed guidelines.

At participating schools, teams of students, under the guidance of faculty mentors, partner with local organizations and develop an innovative, feasible social venture concept to address a local community issue.

At the Showcase, one team from each school presents a 12-minute oral business presentation of their concept and fields questions before a panel of judges composed of local leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts in social ventures.

Teams compete for grant awards in the range of grand prize, $2,500; second place, $1,500; third place, $1000 to help advance their innovation beyond the concept stage. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Showcase and overseen by the team’s home school. Each team will receive direct feedback and advice from the judges during the Showcase on ways to improve their social venture concept.

The Showcase will also feature educational presentations from leading social entrepreneurship programs and regional leaders and networking sessions to enable faculty, students, and community members to share their experiences and make new contacts.