Social Entrepreneurship, Engagement, and Development (SEED) Lab
Specialized Study Program
Succeed Despite the Odds
Early-stage social entrepreneurs and mission-driven change makers, for profit and nonprofit alike, create your own support group that will help you pilot, launch or take to the next level your vision of social impact by navigating together with you the journey of entrepreneurship, and finding answers to the challenges that every budding change maker is facing. SEED Lab is designed to tap the deep reservoir of unrecognized talent within marginalized and under-served communities and support their efforts to identify and develop pioneering paths out of inherited problems that have buried and muffled those voices.
Full and partial scholarships are available. 0% equity required for participation.
To learn more about the program and apply, please visit SEED Lab and Caravanserai Project.
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Est. Tuition $8,500
Learning Format Online
Duration 8 months *
*Duration times can vary, talk to your advisor for more information.
Total Units 9 Units
- Support to launch, pilot and/or scale mission-driven ventures
- Access to local leaders, captains of various industries and experts and resources
- Collaboration and networking with a small cohort of highly mission-driven entrepreneurs
- 90 hours of customized training and mentorship (online and in person)
- Lifetime access to the Caravanserai Project alumni network, exclusive events, resources, partner introductions, networking opportunities, pro-bono or discounted programs and services and ongoing mentorship from our network of experts
- Early stage social entrepreneurs with an innovative solution for any issue
- Early stage mission-driven ventures that are innovative, with potential for impact and a good business model
- Priority given to Southern California based entrepreneurs/ventures
- Applicant must be over 18 years old, with a good command of the English language.
- Must hold a decision-making role in the venture.
- Able to commit to an 8-month intensive program.
- Applicant must be based in the United States; Caravanserai Project does not sponsor American work permits for any foreign nationals.
- Must be the original idea of the applicant(s), in its start-up phase.
- Nonprofits, for-profits, or hybrids are welcome to apply. The venture does not need to be registered to apply.
- Does not only have to be run by one individual. Partners can apply to the program.
- It must be independent and autonomous. It cannot be under the management of another organization. The venture can have a fiscal sponsor.
- For ventures with multiple partners, only two founders may apply per organization.
- Both applicants within the partnership must meet all Applicant Eligibility requirements.
- A partner cannot be swapped for another during the program.
- Partnerships must submit a joint application for their project. Separate applications for the venture will not be considered.
- Submit your application online. Only applications submitted through the application website will be accepted. No exceptions!
- Additional information can be submitted if required.
- Applications can be reviewed if required by Caravanserai Project.
- Partnerships must submit a joint application for their project. Applicants who choose to apply as part of a partnership must complete one application together.
- Only two founders may apply per organization/project.
- Social Value: focus on social mission, vision, theory of change, communications strategies, product/service development, measuring and monitoring impact, program’s benefits, community engagement etc.
- Market: focus on beneficiaries/customers, competition, partnerships, branding and messaging, marketing etc.
- Finance: business planning, budgeting, pricing strategies, resource management, fundraising etc.
- Implementation: program design, operational and start-up planning, data analysis, testing, piloting, scaling etc.
- Leadership: public speaking, pitching, board development, team development, basic legal aspects, etc.
Your Journey Starts Here
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