In response to recent events, SOCAP is opening applications for the Entrepreneur Scholarship program earlier this year than ever before.
The early launch for scholarship applications will help give accepted international entrepreneurs and non-US citizens enough time to obtain visas to enter the United States. Now through June 1st, international applicants can apply for the SOCAP17 Entrepreneur Scholarship program for early consideration. For stateside applicants, the deadline is June 30, 2017. Accepted entrepreneurs will be notified in early July.
Since the first convening of SOCAP in 2008, 547 social entrepreneurs from 71 countries have received scholarships to attend SOCAP, coming from Asia, Europe, Africa, North, Central, and South America, and Australia. Last year SOCAP welcomed over 2,800 attendees, including 150 entrepreneur scholars from over 30 countries.
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The Future of Social Capital Markets
“We prioritize support for inspiring entrepreneurs, as they are the future of the social capital markets,” said Lindsay Smalling, Producer and Curator of SOCAP.
Sam Gwer, a SOCAP16 scholarship entrepreneur from Nairobi, Kenya, traveled 19 hours to attend the program last year. He scheduled his visa appointment two months in advance, and paid extra to secure a 5-year visa with the option for future travel.
“I am not quite sure about the implication for visa applications but I would advise that there is no loss in applying considering the likely gain in attending SOCAP17,” he said.
Gwer rated the overall SOCAP Scholarship experience as “highly valuable.”
“There were lots of accomplished social entrepreneurs and innovators working on projects or facing challenges similar to mine, presenting amazing opportunities to listen and learn,” he said. In a follow up interview directly after the conference, he added that he had the chance to meet with potential investors, and make valuable connections.
“I made friendships that will last a lifetime,” said SOCAP16 entrepreneur scholar Isabel Rauh Hain, who attended the program from Mexico. Her top three takeaways from the scholarship included the realization that it’s possible to exponentially increase her impact; the opportunity to increase her mindset (“there are a lot impact investments and grants”); and seeing that impact businesses have the possibility of being very profitable.
Details & Application
Successful scholarship entrepreneurs are selected for their outstanding ideas, inspiring stories, and passion for creating sustainable business models. Up to 150 entrepreneurs will be awarded scholarships to SOCAP17, along with the following benefits:
- Free SOCAP17 full conference pass (valued at $1495)
- Impact Accelerator @SOCAP – tailored entrepreneur programming pre-conference
- Hostel accommodations for the duration of the conference
- Recognition and high visibility in the SOCAP program
- Dedicated mentorship from notable impact leaders
Interested international applicants can apply at the following link now through June 1st, for early consideration: Application Form. For all other applicants, the deadline is June 30, 2017. Selected scholar entrepreneurs will be notified at the beginning of July.
