ForSE 2009: Forum for Social Entrepreneurs promises to continue the tradition of interactive and engaging forums that we have produced in the past.
The opening keynoter is Andre Potter, Executive Director, Massachusetts Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. After the plenary session the Forum will split into four parallel panels for an in-depth discussion with a panel of practitioners and experts on cutting edge issues in the social sector:
- Sustainable Business Models for Social Ventures
- Valuing Social Enterprises
- Social Media for Social Entrepreneurs
- An Investors perspective of Microfinance
More details on each of the panels in a subsequent post.
This year we will bring back an in-depth case study/brainstorming session with three real world cases. In each session you have a chance to dissect the daily workings of a social entrepreneur and help brainstorm solutions and ideas for the challenges they present. Interactive crowd-sourced solutions!
And finally, new this year, a pitch contest for aspiring social entrepreneurs. Entrants get a chance to refine their pitch, focus their ideas and wow a panel of seasoned judges. A panel of experienced entrepreneurs and social investors will evaluate the pitches, and provide feedback and constructive advice.
Our other keynoters include Leonard Schlesinger, President of Babson College, one of the leaders in entrepreneurship; Carol Cone, Founder and Chairperson of Cone LLC, an innovator in Cause Branding and CSR programs for corporations and Pamela Hawley who was a co-founder of Volunteer Match, one of the earliest online volunteer matching sites, and who later founded and currently runs UniveralGiving.org.
The last two years ForSE was sold out days before. Please register early to avoid disappointment. Over 100 have registered already! Online rates are valid till October 19th. Click here for info and to register.
The Social Ecosystem 