John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge

Presenters during the John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge in 2019

One of the nation’s first social venture competitions, the John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC) has helped jump-start more than 200 companies and nonprofits since 2011.

Social new Venture Challenge

Our startups are helping k-12 students learn math, digitally connecting prison inmates with legal counsel, and more.

Together, Edwardson SNVC companies have raised more than $300 million in philanthropic dollars, grant support, and venture-capital funding. The Edwardson SNVC provides social entrepreneurship mentorship and funding for startups with a social mission at their core.

How the Edwardson SNVC Works

The SNVC is open to currently enrolled graduate students at UChicago who want to launch a for-profit or nonprofit startup. Successful applicants must have a plausible plan for financial sustainability—either through equity investment, direct revenue, grants from philanthropy, government funding, or a combination thereof. Finalists compete every June for at least $300,000 in prize money to further their social ventures.

SNVC teams apply in fall to enroll in New Social Ventures, a Booth course that complements the Edwardson SNVC program.

Learn More and Apply

The Edwardson SNVC at Chicago Booth is not just a weekend competition; it’s a comprehensive launch program that includes three phases, from idea generation to critical feedback to final pitches. Applications are due November 8, and the final competition takes place in May.

Learn More about Eligibility

John Edwardson making a point while speaking into a microphone

“Each year, I’m more impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm UChicago students have for making a meaningful impact on social issues. As the SNVC has expanded its reach at Booth and across the university, the social entrepreneurs who participate have developed even stronger business models and pitches. I’m proud to support their work.”

— John Edwardson, ’72

Become a Sponsor

We invite you to join us by supporting the SNVC as a contributing sponsor. For information on becoming a sponsor, contact Will Colegrove.

By the Numbers

Since its founding in 2011, the SNVC has helped hundreds of student entrepreneurs pursue and develop effective and sustainable solutions to some of our most intractable problems. SNVC alumni have gone on to create meaningful change around the world.

Harper Center

$300M

Amount raised to date by startups that went through the SNVC

$300M
Harper Center

200+

Startups launched from SNVC

200+
Harper Center

60+

Active alumni ventures

60+
Edwardson Social Entrepreneurship Program

SNVC Stories

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