• Innovativeness of the Idea/Concept: Represents a unique, innovative approach and demonstrates a clear understanding of the social issue it seeks to address. Shows evidence of a clear mission and theory of change.
• Social Impact: Likely to make a substantial contribution toward the solution of the issue(s) it seeks to address.
• Action Plan: Provides a clear description of plan/approach and an understanding of required core competencies and key success factors. Offers a practical approach to measuring organizational outcomes.
• Viability: Explains main sources of financial and human capital. Provides indications of market readiness.
SEMI-FINAL AND FINAL ROUND
These two rounds are based on the executive summary and live presentation to a mix of philanthropists, impact investors, capacity building organizations, and social entrepreneurs. Judges in these rounds will evaluate based on:
CONCEPT (50% of score)
• Idea/concept: The concept reflects an innovative approach. The team has a clear understanding of the issue it seeks to address, why the issue is important, the recipients of the product or service, economic and social drivers of the model, and feasibility of the concept.
• Social impact: The business model is likely to make a substantial contribution toward the solution of the issue it seeks to address and can be sustained for a period of time consistent with achieving the desired social impact. (If growing the organization is not the preferred strategy, the program is transferable and replicable.)
EXECUTION (50% of score)
• People: The team (through its members or partnerships) has or can get relevant skills, contacts, industry knowledge, and experience.
• Context: The conditions (i.e., regulatory, tax, political) are favorable. Market need, size of opportunity, competitive landscape, and potential risks are identified and manageable.
• Resources: The funding plan is sensible in terms of capital required to launch and operate. Funding sources are identified and a plan for securing initial investment is articulated.
• Performance measurement: The plan takes a practical approach to milestones and organizational outcome measurement, and provides a clear plan to deliver high performance.
• Messaging/communication: The team was persuasive in communicating the idea and its potential, through the written business plan, presentation, and Q+A.