Santa Clara University

Selection Process

“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 Board

From Left: Alfonso Gamboa (Saravia Crab Cooperative), Dr. Padmanabha Rao (RIVER), Chris Benz (CraftNetwork), Neelam Chhiber (Industree Craft), Francisco Noguera (World Resources Institute), Tom Stehl (MFK) & Mathias Craig (blueEnergy) from the GSBI™ Class of 2008

Applications are reviewed against a set of criteria largely based on key factors that characterized successful past participants. These criteria include:

Strength of leadership and organization (the senior-most executive of organizations must attend)
Technology and/or product and service proof of concept
Potential for replication
A commitment to scaling by building earned income streams
Promise of solution of a social problem if the enterprise can be brought to scale

The selection committee conducts in-depth phone interviews with candidates in an effort to learn more about the prospective participant and their work. They address specific questions and discern whether the candidate will be a good fit for the program.

Since attendance is limited to a maximum of 15 to 20 participants per year, considerable diligence is taken in the screening process. Every year, we invite a diverse class who embody the spirit and vision of social entrepreneurs and their promise of systemic change.

Application and More on Social Edge
(2009 Open Application Process begins January 2009)

GSBI - Selection for the GSBI