Social Enterprise Competition-win $25,000

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Calling all young philanthropists and social entrepreneurs! Are you ready to take your world-changing idea to the next level?

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) announces its inaugural Social Enterprise Student Competition

Do you have a great idea for a new socially responsible product, service or business model? Then OCE’s Social Enterprise Student Competition is for you! Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the next generation of social entrepreneurs through one-on-one mentoring and your chance to win a $25,000 grand prize to start your own social enterprise.

To enter, participants must submit a 1000 word business plan by April 2nd, 2012. Ten finalists will be selected and partnered with a leading social innovator to receive mentoring and guidance on their business plan. All finalists will then participate in a verbal elevator pitch style competition at OCE’s Discovery 2012 Conference, May 14-15 in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre where the winners will be announced.

Rules: For the full contest rules, deadlines and to download the application form visit http://www.ocediscovery.com/social_enterprise2012.aspx

Why should I enter?

• Gain Exposure!Leading social innovators will be on hand to see your work

• Anyone can win!The competition is open to post-secondary students and recent grads (3 years) from any educational department at any academic institution in Ontario

• Get help!Learn from leading social innovators and have them help you design a business plan to make your social enterprise dream a reality

• Win!Have your chance to win up to three prize awards: $25,000 (first place); $10,000 (second place); and $5,000 (third place) to develop your social enterprise

• Do something good!

Fast Facts

• Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand in today’s economy

• Improving environmental and social performance can have a positive impact on many aspects of Canadian businesses

• Social Return on Investment (SROI) is becoming an integral aspect of evaluating companies’ bottom line

For further information about the competition or questions about how to enter contact: Denise Brennan, Social Innovation Program Manager at denise.brennan@oce-ontario.org.Please indicate “OCE Social Enterprise Student Competition 2012” in the email subject line.