Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition

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GSEC 2009 will be held February 23-27, 2009
Apply Online for GSEC 2009!

"GSEC gets to the noble purpose of business."
Dean James Jiambalvo, GSEC Awards Banquet, 2008

The Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GSEC) is a business plan competition in which students from around the world find creative, commercially sustainable ways to address problems of poverty in the developing world.  GSEC participants have a unique opportunity to increase their global awareness and develop their knowledge and understanding of how to take a business plan from inception to implementation with the advice and involvement of a wide base of knowledgeable contributors.  GSEC furthers collaborative and interdisciplinary partnerships, builds the skills of future global business leaders, and contributes to the understanding of culture and business practices in other countries. 

Learn how you can contribute to GSEC, as a mentor, judge, or sponsor. Download a GSEC Participation Opportunities flyer.

GSEC Develops Leaders Who Think Differently and Make a Difference

Business plans are evaluated on three criteria: 1) effect on the quality of life and poverty alleviation in the developing world; 2) financial sustainability; and 3) feasibility of implementation.  GSEC business plans can cover various issues such as healthcare, education, the environment, energy, information and communication technology, social services, agriculture, and manufacturing. Social Return on Investment includes the social good of improved health. As such, two new prizes in Global Health will also be awarded this year.  Please visit the Competition Guidelines page for detailed submissions guidelines and competition information. 

GSEC is sponsored and facilitated by University of Washington Business School's Global Business Center. The mentors and judges of the competition are experienced professionals from the local and regional business community. View the complete list of GSEC 2008 sponsors.

Top photo courtesy of UW/Mary Levin © 2007