GSBI Online Overview
GSBI Online focuses on organizations which have the potential to create significant social impact and to conduct financially sustainable operations. Compared to our program for more advanced enterprises, the GSBI Accelerator, GSBI Online targets earlier stage social enterprises.
The curriculum uses GSBI's proven methodology, is available on-demand, and incorporates best practices of online learning. Working at their own pace over a maximum of seven months, each entrepreneur will participate in nine online modules, guided by both a GSBI-provided Silicon Valley mentor and a local mentor, identified by the entrepreneur (with GSBI's assistance if required).
What the GSBI Online modules will focus on
- Mission, opportunity, strategies
- External environment
- Target market segmentation
- Value chain analysis
- Organization and human resources
- Business model
- Success metrics
- 1-year operating plan
- Financing strategy
What will the program will teach
GSBI Online uses a tested approach of high-touch one-to-one mentoring with successful Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and CEOs with a structured curriculum delivered entirely online and designed to create the following tangible outputs:
- Business plan summary
- Elevator pitch
- 1-year operating plan
- Innovation profile (a 2-page overview/executive summary used for marketing purposes)
Entrepreneurs are expected to dedicate 5 to 10 hours/week over the six months of the program, working with their mentors to complete lessons by assigned deadlines. Program completion is marked by a final graduation presentation delivered by the entrepreneur to an audience of investors, mentors, and GSBI staff.
Selection Process
We will select up to 20 applicant organizations to receive a scholarship for participation in the next cohort of GSBI Online.
The upcoming cohort of GSBI Online will start in October 2013 and go through March 2014. It will consist of online, mentored exercises that are designed to create a business plan summary presentation with a credible financing strategy.
We will begin accepting applications April 22, 2013. All interested entrepreneurs should apply by completing the online application form by July 15, 2013.
Partnership Opportunities
The GSBI Online pilot began in spring 2012 and is scheduled through spring 2014. If you are interested in getting involved by sponsoring a group of social entrepreneurs you co-select while working with the GSBI Team to shape the future of GSBI Online, please contact Andy Lieberman at ALieberman@scu.edu or 408.551.3052.
