Case Studies are the core of the Social Venture Institute model and where some of the greatest learning happens.
In selecting case studies, we look for several key components: enterprises at various stages of growth, well-framed and defined problem statements, and opportunities to draw larger lessons for the whole group.
We ask you focus on one major strategic challenge that you are currently facing. For example:
- Business Financing: Raising Equity and Debt Capital
- Communicating Your Story: Overcoming Sales & Marketing Challenges
- Managing Organizational Change/Growth: Human Resources and Management Transitions
In
the Case Study sessions, the selected participants will briefly
describe their situation and answer follow-up questions from a panel of
expert. Respondents will then give their feedback and advice while
drawing practical lessons for the larger group. The audience will also
be asked to participate by sharing their feedback and ideas. We have
found this to be a very powerful way for the entire group to gain a
wealth of practical ideas about how to manage the challenges of running a
socially responsible enterprise.
We will distribute the
description of your enterprise and your strategic challenge to the
participants, while all other relevant confidential material will be
given to the respondents under an agreement of strict confidentiality.
“The case study sessions create a safe place to be challenged on tough business issues by experienced people who respect what you're doing. A truly unique and very valuable experience.” -- Madeleine Shaw, Lunapads, Case Study presenter
How to Submit Your Case Study
Please submit your Case Study in the following format:
- Description of the Enterprise and the Strategic Challenge (no more than 500 words)
- Any other relevant materials:
- Finance - historic financials, year-to-date budget with variance, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and business plan (if applicable)
- Sales & Marketing - any current marketing materials, sales plans and projections, market research.
- Managing Change - vision, mission, and current goals of the organization, organizational chart with number of employees, personal goals with regard to the business, areas in which you would like to improve your leadership skills, any information on your current strategic plan.
While
you may not be able to provide all of the information requested, please
note that the more thorough and honest your information, the more
valuable the advice will be. The respondents put a lot of work into
preparing for the sessions, so please submit relevant information that
will help them learn about your organization and the challenges you
face.
Please submit your case study material by Wednesday, March 13th, by email to Emira Mears at emira@raisedeyebrow.com.
Past SVI Case Study Presenters:
Edible Planet Osmosis/Green Spa Network
Happy Planet Public Outreach
Hollyhock Retreat Centre Salt Spring Coffee
Lunapads SPUD
New Leaf Paper StratCom
Nimble Company S-Vox
Novex Couriers Twice Shy/Hip Baby
Frogbox United We Can