Map the System 2021 Social Innovation Challenge: Call for individuals and teams up to 5 members to participate in this unique challenge

Are you ready to change the world? Tackling global challenges starts with understanding a problem and its wider context. Map the System 2021 is a competition that challenges students to explore the issues that matter to them, think differently about social and environmental change, and share their findings with the world. Develop systems thinking, research, and changemaking skills. Receive guidance, coaching, and support via workshops/office hours. Gain insight to launch your own social venture or social innovation project. Pitch ideas to win cash prizes and a chance to compete in the Global Final (an Illinois team won 2nd place last year!) Sign up at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1529230344 ASAP to receive updates about information sessions, workshops, key deadlines, and details about the campus semi-final and global competition. See the flyer at: https://go.gies.illinois.edu/MaptheSystem2021flyer

Applications Open for the Illinois Impact Incubator: Deadline: December 18 (Rolling admissions. Apply early: https://go.gies.illinois.edu/IllinoisImpactIncubator2021)

Are you interested in creating a startup venture focused on social or environmental impact? The Illinois Impact Incubator is a co-curricular incubation program for students of all majors and levels who have a passion to develop an idea or early-stage venture focused on social or environmental impact. All types of ventures are welcome (e.g., nonprofits, social enterprises, social businesses). The incubator will amplify your impact by providing knowledge, tools, networks, and access to funding to help you launch and grow your social venture. Members participate in a weekly (virtual) Community of Practice with other social entrepreneurs during spring semester (Wednesdays 5:00-7:30 pm) and receive guidance as they work on customized deliverables to develop their ventures. The incubator includes educational workshops, social purpose-driven coaching, peer feedback, curated resources, and access to mentors and expert advisors. Members are eligible for micro grants to support stakeholder discovery, prototyping, and implementation of pilot projects and have the exclusive opportunity to compete for seed funding in Social Pitch 2021. Beyond the spring semester, members will have ongoing access to mentoring support, expert advisors, curated resources, and educational, networking, and funding opportunities. Individuals or small teams may apply. ALL majors and levels (undergraduate and graduate) are welcome. See https://go.gies.illinois.edu/IllinoisImpactIncubator2021_flyer

Thanks to Valeri Werpetinski of Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership for this information item