January 31, 2013

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Corps and Great Lakes Entrepreneur's Quest will today announce the Pure Michigan Social Entrepreneurship Challenge, the nation's first statewide social entrepreneurship initiative.

"We are thrilled to propel Michigan forward as the nation's first state to launch a public-private partnership-driven effort focused specifically on advancing social entrepreneurs," said Michigan Corps Board Chair Rishi Jaitly.

The Pure Michigan Social Entrepreneurship Challenge invites individuals and teams to submit plans for an emerging entrepreneurial idea or replicable model from an existing organization for sustainable social change in a wide range of areas including but not limited to urban revitalization, environment, health, and education.

"This challenge really captures what is special about our state-we discover things, we make things, and we make things work," said Michael A. Finney, MEDC President and CEO. "These strengths make us a great location for social innovators to do their good work and help reinvent Michigan."

Participants in the new ‘Social Entrepreneurship Challenge' track offered through GLEQ.org will benefit from financial support, including more than $50,000 in potential cash prizes, access to impact investors, and consideration for special program opportunities including cash awards for Community Ventures-eligible companies. 

Participants will also have access to mentorship, networking, and resources tailored to social entrepreneurs. The Challenge will help advance ideas, ventures, and solutions to address pressing social challenges in Michigan.
Beginning February 4, social entrepreneurs are invited to complete an application at GLEQ.org to begin their participation in the Challenge. Applicants will then have immediate access to coaches and special events to support the preparation of their submission before the May 20, 2013 deadline. A special Social Entrepreneurship Showcase and Pitch event will take place on June 18 at GLEQ's Entrepreneur Connect event in Lansing, MI.

The Pure Michigan Social Entrepreneurship Challenge aims to harness the collective power of today's entrepreneurs to address the challenges of our state. To learn more about the Pure Michigan Social Entrepreneurship Challenge visit http://michigancorps.org/TheChallenge 

For more information, contact Michigan Corps Director Elizabeth Garlow at egarlow@michigancorps.org