In an effort to support social entrepreneurs tackling some of this city’s toughest problems, and to contribute to the innovative, vibrant culture in the Los Angeles area, Los Angeles Social Venture Partners (LASVP), the Social Enterprise Institute (SEI), and the University of Southern California (USC) have partnered to produce the annual “Social Innovation ‘Fast Pitch’ and Showcase.”

The Social Innovation Fast Pitch is a two-month training and mentoring program for innovative nonprofits that are effecting social change in Greater Los Angeles, culminating in the Social Innovation Fast Pitch and Showcase on November 11, 2009. (Click here to register for the event.)

The goal of the Social Innovation Fast Pitch program is to build the capacity of, and create visibility for, innovative local nonprofits and the social entrepreneurs who lead them. In 2009, leaders from 22 organizations have been accepted into the program, where they will receive training, feedback and mentoring on how to succinctly and powerfully “tell their story.” Through the process, they will also build valuable cross-sector relationships.

2009 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase

Fast Pitches!
At the event on November 11, 10 finalists will make three-minute “pitches” to a panel of judges and an audience of more than 300 investors, business and nonprofit leaders, and other members of Southern California's entrepreneurial community. Participating nonprofits will compete to win thousands of dollars in funding.
Check out the 2009 participants!

Featured Speaker – Andy Rappaport
We are pleased to announce Andy Rappaport of August Capital 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 a “fireside chat” 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.

Showcase Reception
Following the formal program, there will be a reception where attendees can interact and network with the presenting organizations to learn more about their mission, needs, and opportunities for support and engagement.

2008 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase

Last year’s event was a tremendous success! Here are some highlights:

• Meet the 2009 nonprofit participants
• Read about 2008 Winner Everyone Deserves a Roof in the Los Angeles Times
• Check out more photos, videos and testimonials in our Gallery