INeedAPencil.com Attends GSBI

Jason Shah of INeedAPencil.com was chosen as one of the 20 social entrepreneurs from over 350 applications to attend the Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI) at Santa Clara University’s Center for Science, Technology, & Society (CTS).  GSBI gathers Silicon Valley financiers, marketers, and key business executives to help promising social entrepreneurs from around the world with essential business concepts such as creating a cohesive business plan, innovative approaches for funding and finding investors, and finding ways to increase their impact while running sustainably. 

The entrepreneurs received 4 months of online mentoring.  The culmination of the program is an intensive 2 week in-residence program at Santa Clara University in August.  In what has been described as a mini-MBA boot camp for social entrepreneurs from across the globe, the program consisted of lectures from professors and successful social entrepreneurs, collaboration between the social entrepreneurs in developing business models and organizational plans, and a final business plan presentation in front of seasoned entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and senior executives.

Jason explained that, “The best part was the people.  Such varied experiences that each one provided a live case study for me to learn from and engage with.”  Jason also mentioned how GSBI really helped him and INeedAPencil.com looks towards the future in scaling up and solidifying an earned income model.  Watch Jason talk about INeedAPencil.com and GSBI from the GSBI Video Blog produced by NextBillion.net.

The GSBI is a unique and remarkable program.  By bringing together social entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, the program aims to position its attendees for success in solving some of the world’s social issues.