The more I get involved with social entrepreneurship, the more I see that the infrastructure being built for social entrepreneurs to grow their businesses is really incredible.  But what might be lacking is a broad awareness of what’s out there.  That’s where we come in.  I am not just mentioning these opportunities in passing.  These are SERIOUS programs that can earn you and your organization three of the most important things it can get:  Money, Knowledge, and People.  Seriously, it’s all about who you know.  Pleas take the time and read through these programs and then apply.  You and your organization will seriously benefit.

1. The Global Social Benefit Initiative (GSBI). The name might be a bit unwieldly. But my goodness, what an opportunity. According to Allen Hammond of NextBillion.net, it “generates both market-ready entrepreneurs and a hothouse of creativity and deal-making.” It’s been awarded over $1 million over three years by the Skoll Foundation to implement its programs. Simply put, there is tremendous value here. I’ll explain.  [EDIT:  I realize I am in the awkward position of trying to convince you to take advantage of a program that's incredibly to your benefit.  Simply put.  It's worth your time.  Period.  If you have to put off a long lunch break to do the application - Do it.  This is a serious opportunity.]

The GSBI exists to serve as a mentoring and guided development program.  I’ll be brief and to the point.  GSBI is choosing 20 organizations (and their leaders, specifically).  What you get:  4 months of online guidance and training from experienced social entrepreneurs, consultants, and other change-makers.  Then, a 2-week comprehensive in-house training session, where you meet other social entrepreneurs, the experienced mentors I mentioned above, and training in this:  “focused mission/vision, target market segmentation, business models, finance, organizational capacity building, and metrics.”

The short version:  It’s a total immersion boot-camp to drive social entrepreneurs towards not just success, but scaling their success.

Get more information and apply here: http://www.socialedge.org/features/gsbi/ Your application is due JANUARY 15, 2010.

2.  I posted this second, but it’s actually more urgent.  It’s the Global Engagement Summit.  Yes, I’ve mentioned this before in another post.  Yes, your deadline has passed if you’re international.  I’m sorry.  But if you’re American (sorry to my folks in South America, I’m just talking about those pesky northerners) then you have until DECEMBER 30, 2009.  That’s Thursday.  So you need to apply, basically, today.  It’s a short application, and will take 15 minutes of your time if you are seriously tied to your social enterprise (which you are, because you’re reading this).

Why you should go:  intense education, mentorship, and training over 5 days.  Community building with like-minded changemakers.  An active alumni network.  Support with getting jobs and fellowships after participation.  And continued mentorship after the program.  I’m not going to overzealously laud the program.  Because frankly, I’m telling you what I know.  But it seems like a great opportunity to me.  And as such, it’s my duty to pass it on to you, in the hopes that more people in the social entrepreneurship space can get connected and as such make an even bigger impact.  The summit will be held in mid-April.

The short version:  It’s a conference where you meet other social changemakers, capacity-build and network.

For more information and to apply by DECEMBER 31st, 2009:  http://theges.org/apply/

(Photo credit:  wacphiladelphia)