What is the bigBANG?!
The bigBANG! is a conference on October 28, 2011, at CSU’s Student Center to advance socially innovative ideas in NE Ohio.
Why Social Innovation, and why now?
Social Innovation is a non-political, catch-all term for thinking differently about how communities advance conversations and ideas that will have a positive social impact. It represents a global concept that our toughest challenges cannot be solved with money alone, or just by nonprofits. It embraces the ideas that business, nonprofit and government must work together to have the biggest impact in battling the issues our communities face. By applying the ideas and tools of social innovation to our region, we can begin to solve some of our biggest challenges while positioning our region as a leader in this work.
What happens at the bigBANG! ?
- A showcase of socially innovative nonprofit organizations creating a positive impact in our community;
- Access to a network of leaders who share similar values and goals in their investments, philanthropy and activities; and
- An interactive experience that will provide a fun way to learn about new tools and strategies to advance mission and issue-based activities.
What is the bigBANG! pitch?
Modeled after other national efforts in Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston; the bigBANG! marks the first time that NE Ohio will feature a venture capital-like “pitch stage” in which selected nonprofit organizations take the stage in front of a community of “impact investors” to share their stories and growth plan.
Who attends?
“Impact Investors” = Funders, Donors & Corporate Investors who are interested in learning more about social innovation and getting exposed to both new and seasoned social innovations in NE Ohio.
Socially Responsible Businesses Leaders who are interested in sharing and learning about socially innovative business models.
Social Entrepreneurs & Nonprofit Leaders who are interested in sharing ideas and tools to achieve positive impact in communities.
Are attendees expected to “invest” in any of the nonprofits?
No. While attendees have that opportunity, there is no pressure to do so. Often the competitive proposal process does not provide you with the insight of the leaders running those organizations and the in-depth understanding of what it will take for those organizations to take their mission to the next level. The “pitch” experience provides “impact investors” with an opportunity to window shop without making a commitment that day. Although, opportunities to strike a deal that day do happen!
Why is Cleveland Social Venture Partners (CSVP) involved?
CSVP has represented an innovative philanthropic approach in the NE Ohio community for 10 years. In celebration of that decade, we will bring together leaders from across the community to explore effective and innovative ways to maximize social impact.
How can I get involved?
Read the blog to stay abreast of future developments.
Contact:
Cleveland Social Venture Partners
10819 Magnolia Dr., Suite 200
Cleveland, OH 44106
Linda Springer
Executive Director
tel (216) 231-2300
fax (216) 231-2331
e-mail: info@csvp.org
Glossary of Terms and Topics explored:
Social Innovation - Novelty + Improvement = Society Benefits
- Results in something more efficient, effective, environmentally sustainable, or just;
- Benefits society (more than to just the individuals of the organization or company)
Social Issues – The needs and challenged faced by society and communities (homelessness, poverty, hunger, etc.)
Social Impact – Achieving positive (or negative) success in addressing a social issue
Social Entrepreneurs – Entrepreneurs focused on applying the skills of the business world to achieve social impact
Social Enterprise – A for-profit business model (stand alone or programmatic) that measures a social bottom-line
Social Networks – A way that people organize themselves around issues, professional content, or personal interests
Social Capital Market – Using the existing financial tools from traditional markets and applying to social causes, providing a new way to capitalize the social sector
Social Media – Web-based platforms to engage audiences/stakeholders and communicate messages. Can be used for business/mission/personal
Where can I learn more about Social Innovation?
Forcing Social Innovation
Posted: July 31, 2009 Fast Company, Brian ReichFri
The White House Office on Social Innovation: A New Paradigm for Solving Social ProblemsPosted: July 1, 2009 Huffington Post, Clayton M. Christensen
Blogs
• Tactical Philanthropy Blog
• Change.org’s Social Entrepreneurship Blog
• Lucy Bernholz’s Philanthropy 2173 Blog
• RSF Social Finance’s Reimagine Money Blog
• Dan Pallotta’s Blog on Harvard Business Review
• Social Velocity Blog
• Advancing Social Innovation: Andrew Wolk’s Blog
