The Social Enterprise Track provides an opportunity for eligible graduate students across Harvard University to explore social entrepreneurship and test ideas for social innovation in a rigorous and supportive environment. Social Enterprise Track entries may include nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid model business plans.

 

How to Apply

 
  1. Review Information for Participating Teams. Review eligibility requirements and download the Details for Participating Teams document.
  2. Build Your Team. Whether you have an idea or have skills to bring to an idea, visit the teams section of our website to connect with others. 
  3. Enter the Competition. Register to participate in the Competition through the Reviewr platform. Before you register with Reviewr, a third party website, please read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 
  4. Develop Your Idea. Over the course of the Competition, students have the opportunity to develop their own skills as well as strengthen their venture through workshops, feedback from expert judges on written work and presentations, and multi-disciplinary collaboration. See the SE Tools section for online resources and information and the Calendar for upcoming events.
  5. Attend the Finale. Celebrate the journey and hear the winning pitches. Network with students, alumni, and judges at the Finale celebration.
    6.  

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

  • Feb20
    • 20 Feb 2019
    • Both Tracks
    • Event

    Office Hours: Connect with Health Care Initiative

    What is the landscape for new ventures in the health care space? How can you best position your idea? Join other New Venture Competition entrants in small group discussions led by the Health Care Initiative. Drop in for any portion of the hour-long block.

  • Feb25
    • 25 Feb 2019
    • Social Enterprise Track
    • Event

    Workshop: Testing Your Social Venture: Iterating Based on Market Feedback

    How do you test and iterate your idea? Social entrepreneurs will discuss how to understand social needs and the demands of the impact economy, as well as how to skillfully and resiliently adapt their models as their understanding of these needs changes. Sponsored by the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative to support the HBS New Venture Competition, and open to all students with an interest in creating social ventures.

  • Feb27
    • 27 Feb 2019
    • Both Tracks
    • Deadline

    NVC Final Registration Deadline

    The Final registration deadline to register for either NVC student track is February 27, 2019 at 12 noon EST. 

    Business Track participants: submit pitch deck by this deadline. 

    Social Enterprise Track participants: submit Executive Summary by this deadline.

→  Full Calendar
 

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the student competition?

For the Social Enterprise Track, teams must meet the two following criteria: 1) include at least one student who meets one of the criteria listed on our eligibility page; 2) be composed of a majority of Harvard University graduate students, and these members must have meaningful roles in the venture and the Competition presentation.

How can I find teammates?

Both tracks hold Team Building Mixers in the fall. Additionally, see: Social Enterprise Track Teams page.

What are the advantages of registering early?

Social Enterprise will run a Workshop/Speaker series which will include "how to" seminars related to various aspects of business plan development, networking opportunities to speak with other entrepreneurs, and forums in which to test early new venture concepts and receive feedback. See the Calendar page for the full schedules. Participants can also visit the Social Enterprise Tools page to see additional track specific resources. Though not required, we also suggest that Social Enterprise Track teams participate in the Pitch for Change at the annual student-led Social Enterprise Conference, for practice and feedback at an important stage of the business plan process.

Who are the judges? What are their backgrounds?

Social Enterprise track judges will be drawn from a variety of backgrounds representing a range of industries, including those from funding organizations (including impact investors, philanthropists, and venture philanthropists), capacity building organizations, and social entrepreneurs.

 
 More FAQs

Prizes & Benefits

Prizes

  • $75,000 Grand Prize
  • $25,000 Runner-Up Prize
  • In-Kind Services

Feedback

  • Expert judges at multiple stages in the process

Mentorship

  • Workshops & office hours

Fast-Track Opportunities

  • Echoing Green (winner and runner-up)
  • MassChallenge (4 finalist teams)
  • Long-term space in Harvard Innovation Lab
More on Prizes & Benefits
 

Questions?

se@hbs.edu

 

The HBS Social Enterprise Initiative applies innovative business practices and managerial disciplines to drive sustained, high-impact social change. It's grounded in the mission of Harvard Business School and aims to educate, inspire, and support leaders across all sectors to tackle society’s toughest challenges and make a difference in the world.

→ More about the Social Enterprise Initiative