Social Entrepreneurship Engagement and Development (SEED) Lab

• Support to launch, pilot and/or scale mission-driven ventures
• Access to local leaders, captains of various industries and experts and resources
• Collaboration and networking with a small cohort of highly mission-driven entrepreneurs
• 90 hours of customized training and mentorship (online and in person)
• Lifetime access to the Caravanserai Project alumni network, exclusive events, resources, partner introductions, networking opportunities, pro-bono or discounted programs and services and ongoing mentorship from our network of experts

Course syllabus coming soon!

• Early stage social entrepreneurs with an innovative solution for any issue
• Early stage mission-driven ventures that are innovative, with potential for impact and a good business model
• Priority given to Southern California based entrepreneurs/ventures

Individuals

• Applicant must be over 18 years old, with a good command of the English language.
• Must hold a decision-making role in the venture.
• Able to commit to an 8-month intensive program.
• Applicant must be based in the United States; Caravanserai Project does not sponsor American work permits for any foreign nationals.

Ventures

• Must be the original idea of the applicant(s), in its start-up phase.
• Nonprofits, for-profits, or hybrids are welcome to apply. The venture does not need to be registered to apply.
• Does not only have to be run by one individual. Partners can apply to the program.
• It must be independent and autonomous. It cannot be under the management of another organization. The venture can have a fiscal sponsor.

Partnerships

• For ventures with multiple partners, only two founders may apply per organization.
• Both applicants within the partnership must meet all Applicant Eligibility requirements.
• A partner cannot be swapped for another during the program.
• Partnerships must submit a joint application for their project. Separate applications for the venture will not be considered.

• Submit your application online. Only applications submitted through the application website will be accepted. No exceptions!
• Additional information can be submitted if required.
• Applications can be reviewed if required by Caravanserai Project.
• Partnerships must submit a joint application for their project. Applicants who choose to apply as part of a partnership must complete one application together.
• Only two founders may apply per organization/project.

• Social Value: focus on social mission, vision, theory of change, communications strategies, product/service development, measuring and monitoring impact, program’s benefits, community engagement etc.
• Market: focus on beneficiaries/customers, competition, partnerships, branding and messaging, marketing etc.
• Finance: business planning, budgeting, pricing strategies, resource management, fundraising etc.
• Implementation: program design, operational and start-up planning, data analysis, testing, piloting, scaling etc.
• Leadership: public speaking, pitching, board development, team development, basic legal aspects, etc.

October 2021 to May 2022

• Application Period: April 15-August 1
• Cohort Announcement: October 1