First-ever social entrepreneurship competition announces winners tonight

WHAT: Announcement of the winners of the Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition — the first of its kind in the region. $100,000 in funding will be awarded under multiple categories.

WHERE: Washington University in St. Louis Hilltop campus, Simon Hall, May Auditorium (off of Forsyth Blvd between Big Bend and Skinker).

WHEN: 5:30 p.m., May 10, 2006

WHO:The agenda for the evening will include a panel discussion of "Community Perspectives on Social Entrepreneurship" and will feature Dean Mahendra Gupta of the John M. Olin School of Business and Dean Edward F. Lawlor of the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, in addition to panelists representing foundations and practitioners in the community.

The panel discussion will be followed by the Announcement of Winners.

WHY: To foster growth for social entrepreneurs who craft innovative processes, approaches, and solutions to help resolve social issues. Over $100,000 is available to winners under a variety of categories.

The Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition (SEIC) is the first of its kind in the region. It's being sponsored by the Skandalaras Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Washington University, YouthBridge Association and Incarnate Ward.

Competitors began by entering their idea on www.ideabounce.com last fall, and in the last several weeks have submitted an executive summary, delivered an elevator pitch, and completed a sustainability plan for their venture. As the semifinalists, finalists, and now winners have been selected, they've received feedback from an expert panel of judges including academics, practitioners, investors, foundations, and service providers