A premier social innovation challenge for the aspiring changemakers of Case Western Reserve University.
The Fowler Center is proud to introduce Venture4Impact, a university-wide social enterprise pitch competition. This initiative is designed to empower CWRU students to develop and launch for-profit ventures that address the globe's most pressing social and environmental challenges, in direct alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The purpose of the competition is to provide a platform for students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems, fostering a spirit of innovation and sustainable value creation. Venture4Impact connects students with the Fowler Center's mission, offering a unique opportunity for hands-on learning in social entrepreneurship, complete with expert mentorship and valuable networking opportunities.
Participation in the Venture4Impact competition offers students the chance to:
- Network with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders in the social impact space.
- Gain firsthand insight into the principles of social enterprise and sustainable business modeling.
- Apply critical academic skills to a tangible, real-world entrepreneurial challenge.
- Collaborate with a diverse group of CWRU students from various academic programs and schools.
- Sharpen essential presentation, teamwork, and business communication skills.
- Compete for a chance to advance to the Hult Prize Global Accelerator and win other meaningful rewards.
Competition Goals
Venture4Impact aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of social innovation and sustainable business practices within the Case Western Reserve University community. The key goals for the competition include:
- To champion the value of social entrepreneurship and business-for-good through an engaging and competitive format that resonates with our students.
- To provide comprehensive resources and mentorship before, during, and after the competition to help students hone their business acumen and communication skills.
- To engage with local and global leaders in the impact investing and social enterprise sectors, offering students direct insight into the evolving demands of purpose-driven industries.
- To create unparalleled networking opportunities for all student participants.
- To explore the expansion of the competition's reach, fostering greater interdisciplinary collaboration in the pursuit of social value creation.
Competition Structure
Round 1: Qualifying Round
Teams are required to submit a 6-slide pitch deck in PDF format. The format is flexible but must outline the core elements of the venture, including the problem, the proposed solution, the business model, and the intended impact.
- Registration Deadline: October 3, 2025
- Submission Deadline: October 13, 2025
Finalist Announcement & Mentorship Phase
Finalists will be announced on October 23, 2025. Selected teams will then be paired with experienced mentors to refine their venture and receive expert feedback in preparation for the final pitch.
- Mentorship Phase: October 27 – November 10, 2025
Final Round: Live Pitch Event
The competition culminates in a live event where finalist teams will deliver a 4-minute pitch, followed by a 4-minute Q&A session with a distinguished panel of judges.
- Final Pitch Event: November 14, 2025
For any questions, partnership inquiries, or to express interest in volunteering as a mentor or judge, please contact Megan Buchter (mxs362@case.edu).