Social Venturing for a Sustainable Future, a panel with Tulane Innovation Institute mentors and startups

On Thursday, September 19, Tulane Innovation Institute mentors, startup teams, and staff, participated in a panel at Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business for students enrolled in the “Social Venturing for a Sustainable Future” course led by Professor Alissa Bilfield who recently received a Tulane Innovation Institute Faculty Innovation Grant.

Her course supports Tulane's undergraduate social venture development. It emphasizes the role of social ventures and businesses in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), which include 17 “Global Goals,” including addressing poverty, education, clean water, and gender equality.  The course also partners with The Resolution Project, whose mission is to develop socially responsible young leaders and empower them to make a positive impact.  

The panel featured several innovators and mentors connected to Tulane's entrepreneurial ecosystem, each providing insights into social venture development from early ideation to validation and growth. The discussion revolved around a central theme: the importance of a "purpose mindset," defined as a set of beliefs that enable individuals to lead fulfilling lives while serving both people and the planet.

Panelists:

●      Blake Restel, Green Wave Innovation Network Mentor and Founder of Revisions started the discussion by sharing common mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs make, particularly around assumptions regarding customer needs and wants.  

●      Dr. Valencia Belle, a participant in the Startup Team Mentoring Program and Founder of SCHOOLS, spoke about the critical role of mentorship and finding the proper support for success.  

●      Matthew Hales, Tulane Innovation Entrepreneur in Residence, offered advice on managing team dynamics in startups' high-pressure environments.  

●      Cenzo Caronna, a Startup Team Mentoring Program participant and Founder of Thrivvy, closed the panel by discussing funding strategies and opportunities for early-stage companies.
 

The panelists addressed key questions from aspiring social entrepreneurs, including tips for navigating the transition from imagination to validation and resources available for new ventures.

For students interested in further pursuing social entrepreneurship, The Phyllis M. Taylor Center is now accepting applications for the Changemaker Institute (CI). This semester-long program supports graduate and exceptional undergraduate students in building a business or program with social or environmental impact. The deadline to apply October 15, 2024.