After weeks of review and debate, the Mosaic Social Entrepreneur’s Cup finalists have been announced and they are an inspiring group to be sure. The winner will be announced at the Social Venture Partner’s Engaged Philanthropy Conference, or EPCON, on June 16, and will then go on to compete in the Minnesota Cup.
Here’s a quick summary of the contenders:
Leveraging extensive medical device expertise in the area, Design Wise Medical seeks to meet the needs of “small markets”, or markets that are not viable for for-profit companies, with a focus on pediatric indications. Using volunteers that include students, current professionals, and retirees, teams refine market need, design solutions, and seek commercialization of products to improve children’s health.
GiveMN.org provides an affordable solution for Minnesota non-profits to utilize online giving. The platform not only processes transactions, but gives donors tools to visualize and keep a history of their giving. The platform is showcased widely every year on Give to the Max Day, where massive marketing campaigns draw in donors in an all-day give-a-thon; in 2010, Give to the Max Day raised over $10 million for the benefit of more than 42,000 organizations.
Similar to the ZipCar model, HOURCAR is a transportation solution for those interested in moving away from car ownership. Twenty-nine cars (and growing) across the metro area are available to reserve online and use for hours at a time. Rates are around $6 – $8 per hour, or around 25 cents per mile. The service is aimed at those wanting to lower their environmental impact, or even just eliminate the cost of owning and maintaining a car.
The goal of the programs of Mind Body Solutions is to awaken the connection between mind and body in those who have experienced physical trauma, loss, or disability. One main tool for creating these connections is adaptive yoga, a practice designed for those living with disability. The organization does not just teach these practices; they provide training at workshops for caregivers and rehabilitation professionals and through DVDs, booklets, and online training materials they have developed.
