Tools

Social Enterprise Track

Across Harvard Business School and beyond, resources are available for you as you consider and bring to life an idea for the New Venture Competition (NVC).

2024 Winners

Video duration:2:05
2024 New Venture Competition Winner, Social Enterprise Track: Solara
Solara provides an on-demand solar irrigation service to Indian farmers, increasing their access to affordable, reliable, and clean irrigation. Team: Rea Savla, MBA 2024; Vishesh Mehta
Video duration:1:32
2024 New Venture Competition Runner-Up, Social Enterprise Track: Trans Health HQ
Trans Health HQ is a tool built by the trans community that addresses clinicians’ barriers around learning and advocacy. Team: Ivan Hsiao, MPH 2024.

Alumni Webinars

Launching & Scaling a Social Venture: Gerald Chertavian (MBA 1992), Founder & CEO, Year Up
(login required)
Creating & Funding Organizations for Social Impact: Dutch Leonard
(login required)

Workshops

Developing Your Social Enterprise Pitch, Powerpoint Deck
February 2019
Developing Your Social Enterprise Pitch: Worksheet (PDF)
February 2019
Video duration:54:21
Legal Aspects of Starting a Social Enterprise
Experts from Foley Hoag LLP address high level legal issues that New Venture Competition business plan entrants might have, and practical advice for starting a business.
Legal Aspects of Starting a Social Enterprise, Powerpoint Deck
February 2017
Video duration:1:01:01
Testing Your Social Venture: Iterating Based on Market Feedback
How do you test and iterate your idea? Social entrepreneurs and impact investors discuss how you can truly understand social needs and the demands of the impact economy, as well as how to skillfully and resiliently adapt models as understanding of these needs changes.
Testing Your Social Venture: Iterating Based on Market Feedback
How do you test and iterate your idea? Social entrepreneurs and impact investors will discuss how social entrepreneurs can truly 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.
Developing an Effective Social Enterprise Business Plan with Margot Dushin
Excited about launching a social venture but not quite sure how to tackle writing a social impact business plan? This workshop provides an introduction of key elements of a social enterprise business plan and approaches on how to build your venture.
Developing a Social Enterprise Business Plan with Allen Grossman
Excited about launching a social venture but not quite sure how to tackle writing a social impact business plan? This workshop, led by HBS Professor Allen Grossman, provides an introduction of key elements of a social enterprise business plan, and approaches on how to build your venture.

Examples of Past Entries

Note that full business plans are no longer submitted for the NVC, but are shared here for you to see more detailed information on the ventures.

AppSuccess

2011 Finalist

A collaborative web-based platform which matches low-income high school seniors with college students from top universities, who work together one-on-one to select colleges, complete a competitive college application, and apply for financial aid-all through the online platform.

Barakat Bundle

2015 Runner-Up

A conditional newborn essentials kit that reduces infant and maternal mortality in South Asia.

FOCUS Foods

2015 Winner

Urban aquaponics farm that will be a self-sustaining symbiotic fish and produce system.

Executive Summary (pdf)
Presentation (pdf)

Harvard students entering the New Venture Competition: To receive a copy of the FOCUS Foods business plan, please email julia@focusfoodsinc.com.

Tomato Jos

2014 Runner-Up

Vertically integrated tomato processing company.

WAVE Hospitality Academy

2013 Runner-Up

Empowering youth in West Africa to access employment opportunities through vocational training.

Executive Summary (pdf)
Presentation (pdf)

Harvard students entering the New Venture Competition: To receive a copy of the WAVE business plan, please contact the Social Enterprise Initiative at se@hbs.edu.