Santa Clara University

The Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI™) is the signature program of Santa Clara University's Center for Science, Technology and Society (CSTS). It works with social entrepreneurs to empower them and their organizations and to overcome barriers to scale and impact. Since 2003, 101 award-winning social enterprises have attended this program and become part of a growing network of path finding alumni for creating a more just and sustainable world.

Roshan Vikas '08 India

The GSBI™ is guided by a theory of change which connects emerging and advanced social entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley support networks. We believe that knowledge, skills, and network resources are vital for social entrepreneurs and their organizations if they are to scale. Since 2003, the GSBI™ has delivered a world class education program to the social entrepreneurs helping their social enterprises achieve sustainability and measurable social impact Throughout, social entrepreneurs work with seasoned mentors who share business acumen and strategy helping participants maximize their GSBI™ experience.

Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness '08, Nepal

With its discovery partners, the GSBI™ identifies high potential social ventures and invites them to apply. Our open application process is designed to challenge entrepreneurs through the rigor of carefully crafted business planning. Projects with the greatest potential for social impact and sustainability are admitted to a Phase 1 mentor-moderated distance learning program. Top performers are then invited to attend the two week in-residence held at Santa Clara University every August.

The in-residence curriculum is based upon an established 'executive' education pedagogy. It incorporates best practices, case studies, lectures, highly interactive exercises and other concepts that are on the cutting edge of social enterprise development.

The community formed during the 2 weeks is sustained virtually through an MBA Course and innovation partners who provide legal, systems, management, and other development services.

Social entrepreneurs represent a powerful force for addressing some of the most daunting challenges of our time. They work for a more just and equitable world for all.

With this shared vision the GSBI™ is a journey of mutual discovery and transformation for everyone involved.

More About the Program

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