L.A.’s Nonprofit version of Shark Tank

The second annual Social Innovation Fast Pitch program is well underway, with 22 non-profit entrepreneurs being trained and mentored on how to succinctly and powerfully “tell their story.”  Only 10 will be selected to make their ‘pitch’ at the event in front of hundreds of attendees and compete for up to $20,000 in funding.

The Social Innovation Fast Pitch and Showcase will be held at the University of Southern California on November 11, 2009 from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.socialinnovationpitch.org

This event, hosted by Los Angeles Social Venture Partners, the Social Enterprise Institute, and the University of Southern California, will recognize and celebrate innovative Los Angeles nonprofits that are solving urgent social problems, and will serve as a catalyst to engage local business and community support.

Fast Pitch!
The highlight of the formal program includes live, three-minute ‘pitches’ from nonprofit leaders selected for the strength of their innovative strategies and results.  A panel of judges will critique the pitches and select grant award winners!

Fireside chat with Andy Rappaport
Investor * Social Entrepreneur * Change Agent
We are pleased to announce Andy Rappaport as our featured speaker.  Andy wants us to think differently when we endeavor to change the world. As a successful venture capitalist and a leading voice for innovation-oriented, risk-seeking philanthropy, Andy believes the most productive giving should start like an experimental investment – one in which early failures are important and where small initial successes can lead to large global changes able to attract larger pools of capital.  In this discussion with Krisztina “Z” Holly, Vice Provost for Innovation at USC, Andy will describe how he has applied lessons learned from the venture capital world to rethinking the social sector. Despite the magnitude of the challenges facing our world, Andy’s philosophy can inspire us to make a big impact with limited resources.

Networking Reception:
Following the formal program, there will be a mixer where attendees can network with one another and learn more about the mission and activities of the presenting organizations.

Ticket Prices:
$50 for early registrations through October 31, 2009
$65 for late and onsite registration after October 31, 2009
Students: Free with Pre-Registration and Accepted Application
Tax-deductible contributions to support the event are also welcome

Please join us for an exciting evening! You can count on being educated, activated and inspired.

Questions?
For registration or other general questions about the program, contact LASVP at 310.281.7509 or info@lasvp.org.
For media inquiries, contact Elisa Wiefel Schreiber at 213.821.6063 or wiefel@stevens.usc.edu.