GoodCompany Ventures Now Accepting Applications for 2009 Program

PRESS RELEASE

GoodCompany Ventures Now Accepting Applications for 2009 Program

Philadelphia Area Investors Launch Innovative Incubator For Social Entrepreneurs

Philadelphia, PA - March 23, 2009 - GoodCompany Ventures, a team of social finance investors and start-up experts, today announced the launch of a business incubator targeting entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to unmet social needs. The program will provide facilities, mentoring and access to a network of capital sources to qualified entrepreneurs whose business models offer investors an attractive mix of financial return and social impact. The program will culminate in a venture fair where companies will pitch their ideas to investors.

“The program is the first of its kind in the social sector, repurposing a proven venture strategy in this emerging sector," stated Jacob Gray, Murex Investments Partner. “Unlike conventional venture incubators, GoodCompany Ventures doesn’t extract an equity commitment from entrepreneurs, but expects a commitment of time and creativity toward building a community of social entrepreneurship.”

“This incubator program will be a pioneer,” said Garret Melby, founder of Iolite Social Capital. “Just as Xerox Parc, Idea Lab and other technology incubators helped create the foundation of the information economy, GoodCompany Ventures will support entrepreneurs seeking to build a socially and environmentally sustainable economy.”

Applicants will be recruited nationally via venture capital, social finance, and academic networks. A pool of eight to twelve candidates will be selected to participate in the 2009 incubator program that begins in June.

The program has been developed jointly by Resources for Human Development, Inc. (RHD), an innovator in social finance with a successful track record in social enterprises, and Murex Investments, a “double bottom line” equity fund backed by leading financial institutions.

Applications for the GoodCompany Ventures Program are now being accepted online at http://www.goodcompanyventures.org/. The application deadline is April 20, 2009.

About GoodCompany VenturesGoodCompany

Ventures catalyzes start-ups with innovative solutions to big, unmet social needs. GoodCompany entrepreneurs are offered a great place to work in Philadephia, a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and access to a network of capital sources and expert advisors. We champion models that offer investors financial return and social impact. More information is available at http://www.goodcompanyventures.org/ or via email at info@GoodCompanyVentures.org.

Apply Now
Applications are now being accepted for entrepreneurs and operators. Application deadline is April 20.

Potential mentors, sponsors, investors and interns are always welcomed.

Call for Applicants: 2008 Innovation Awards

The Social Venture Network is accepting applications from social entrepreneurs who are making a difference.

Social Venture Network (SVN), the country's leading network of socially responsible entrepreneurs, announced today that it is now accepting applications for the 2nd Annual SVN Innovation Awards. The Innovation Awards program supports the "next generation" of socially responsible business and nonprofit leaders by providing them access to the people and resources to help develop their ideas into successful enterprises.

Applications are being accepted from June 1-July 15, 2008. Applications
will be accepted from individuals serving in an executive capacity at
a businesses or nonprofit organization which implements an
idea that is having a positive social or environmental impact. The idea
must have been implemented within the past 6 months to 5 years.

Social Enterprise Fellows Program Seeks Applicants

Good Morning Africa (GMA) is announcing the GMA Social Enterprise Fellows Program. The program seeks current graduate students in MBA, MPP, or PhD programs or recent graduates of these programs interested in spending 3-9 weeks this summer in Ghana to "learn first-hand what it takes for a venture to survive and thrive in one of the most challenging business environments on the planet!"

The program includes training on business in Africa, consulting experience, and completion of a market study or research proposal. The program is limited to 10 participants and costs vary, depending upon the length of stay.

According to the website, "Good Morning Africa (GMA) is the only US-based, non-profit organization that is solely dedicated to high-growth, social entrepreneurship in Africa. Our organization serves to grow and promote African business leaders who have an exceptional mind for business and a genuine passion for bettering their communities. We are headquartered in Washington, DC, and we have initiated test sites in Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa."

There are 3 deadlines for applications (dependent upon your departure date): May 10, May 31, and June 24.