Santa Clara University

Selection Criteria for GSBI Participants

2005 Tech Award Laureates

Applications are reviewed against a set of general criteria using a selection rubric. The rubric is largely based on the key factors that have characterized the most successful participants in the past. These criteria include:

• Strength of leadership and organization
• Technology and/or product and service proof of concept
• Significance of the problem addressed and promise of solution if brought to scale 
• Potential for replication
• Commitment to scaling that encompasses earned income

The selection committee conducts an in-depth phone interview with candidates that demonstrate particular promise on the basis of these criteria. This gives committee members the opportunity to learn more about the prospective participant and his or her work, discuss specific questions and circumstances, and discern whether the candidate is a good fit for the program. Since attendance each year is limited to a maximum of 15 to 20 participants, and all attendees must be senior-level representatives, considerable diligence is taken through the screening process to ensure each year’s class embodies the most promising and inspiring group of SBEs.

“Focusing on building strength of leadership is the right approach. There is no    shortage of good ideas, and there is money for those who can tell their story persuasively. Effective management is in critically short supply. GSBI builds a network of peers, and provides the content to stimulate growth and innovation. It is fun to be a   participant, and it works.”

-Bill Unger, GSBI Advisory Council

Criteria	Excellent Match 20-18 Points	Satisfactory Match 17-14 Points	Uncertain Match 13-1 Points
Leadership and Organization	The leader is enthusiastic about the mission, has proven skills, and commits to attending and to follow-up. The leader has an organization in place that has demonstrated an ability to execute a plan. The organization’s funding sources advocate attending the GSBI.	The leader is enthusiastic about the mission, can acquire any missing skills, and commits to attending and to follow-up. The leader has an organization in place that appears to be sufficient to execute on plan. The organization’s funding sources support attending the GSBI.	There is some question about the leader’s enthusiasm, skills or commitment (to attend or to follow-up). The organization is not yet in place. The organization’s funding source is not aware of the GSBI.
Potential of the Product/Service	The problem addressed is significant, understandable, widespread, and compelling. The product or service is clearly defined and there is evidence that the product or service is capable of addressing the problem in a cost-effective manner.	The problem addressed is significant and understandable, but may have limited domain. The product or service is well-defined and seems capable of addressing the problem.	The problem addressed is local or limited to a specific region. The product or service is not yet clearly defined or has not yet demonstrated that it can address the problem.
Value Proposition	It is clear why the beneficiaries will benefit from and enthusiastically adopt the product or service	While the benefits are clear, there may be questions about adoption.	There are questions about the benefits or adoption.
Ability to Deliver the Product or Service to the Beneficiaries	The organization has the systems/processes in place to deliver the product/service and has demonstrated the ability to do so.	The organization has identified the systems and processes necessary to deliver the product/service, but has not yet demonstrated the ability to do so.	The systems and processes necessary to deliver the product or service are missing or not clearly identified.
Financial Management Capabilities	There is a financial plan (budget) for the organization, and the organization has demonstrated the ability to meet a budget. There are sustainable sources of income. There are expense controls. There is a financial officer or person with financial training/background in the organization or on the B.O.D.	Financial information exists and is used in managing the organization. There is potential for sustainable income.	There are questions about the financial management capabilities or sustainable income potential of the organization.
	100-90	Total Points = 85-70	Total Points = 65-5