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Social Venture 101: A Guide to Competing in Teen Accelerate
At Young Entrepreneur Institute, we believe young people have the power to change the world. You see problems differently. You see opportunities where others see barriers and because of this you have the opportunity to participate in Teen Accelerate.

This guide will help you get competition-ready by shaping your idea into a social venture — a business that creates impact, earns revenue, and inspires others to take action. You’ll learn what judges are looking for and how to tell your story with confidence. Let's Get Started.
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What Is a Social Entrepreneur?
A social entrepreneur is someone who sees a problem in the world and decides to do something about it. They don't wait for permission, for perfect timing, or or for someone older to fix it.
They use creativity, courage, and business tools to turn ideas into impact.
But here's the key, social entrepreneurship isn't just about helping people in need. It's about changing systems.
Whether that's improving mental health for students, creating access to more sustainable fashion, or designing technology that protects the planet.

If your idea solves a problem that matters and it can sustain itself through revenue, you're already thinking like a social entrepreneur.
What Is a Social Venture?
A social venture is a business created to solve a problem and make the world better while also being financially sustainable. It combines the best of both worlds.
Like a Business
It has customers, a target audience, a way to generate revenue, and expenses to manage.
Like a Nonprofit
It focuses on impact—making life better for people, communities, or the planet.
The Difference?
A regular business may exist just to make money. A social venture balances two goals: profit and purpose.
A good test: If your business grows, does your impact grow too? If yes, you're building a social venture.
Common Myths About Social Ventures
Let's clear up some misunderstandings that might be holding you back from starting your social venture journey.
1
You can't make money while doing good
False. Many successful brands prove that purpose and profit work together. Companies like Patagonia and TOMS show it's possible to build profitable businesses with strong social missions.
2
You have to start a nonprofit
Not necessarily. Many social ventures are for-profit, but reinvest profits into impact. The legal structure matters less than your commitment to creating positive change.
3
A social venture has to "help the less fortunate"
Not exactly. Social ventures are about solving problems — any problem that creates imbalance or waste, harms the planet, or limits opportunity. You don't have to "save" people — you can empower, improve, or innovate for them.
Why Social Ventures Matter
The world faces big challenges — from mental health and climate change to education access and food insecurity. But each challenge is also an opportunity for young innovators.
Social ventures bridge the gap between what's needed and what's possible. They bring fresh ideas, creativity, and courage to the world's toughest problems.
Fresh Perspectives
Young entrepreneurs see problems through a different lens, bringing innovative solutions that challenge the status quo.
Scalable Impact
Social ventures create sustainable models that grow their impact as they expand, multiplying positive change.
Building Movements
When you launch a social venture, you're not just creating a business. You're building a movement that inspires others.
Examples of Modern Social Ventures
Youth-Led Ventures
Founded by a college student to bring honeybee hives to cities, helping pollinate urban areas and teach sustainability while supporting local ecosystems.
Created by a young designer who wanted to reduce plastic waste by inventing the world's first collapsible reusable straw — portable and practical.
A 10-year-old who started sewing tote bags filled with toiletries for women experiencing homelessness, showing that age is no barrier to impact.
Familiar Brands with a Mission
Originally known for giving a pair of shoes for every pair sold, TOMS now funds grassroots organizations creating community change and sustainable development.
Donates profits to environmental causes and challenges the fashion industry to think sustainably, proving that business can be a force for good.
Founded by entrepreneurs who learned that socks are the most requested item at homeless shelters, creating premium socks with a one-for-one giving model that has donated millions of pairs.
What These Ventures Have in Common
  • They start with a real problem
  • They build a business model around solving it
  • As they grow, their impact grows too
You can start small. The key is to start with purpose.
The Anatomy of a Great Pitch
Your pitch tells the story of your venture in a clear, memorable way. A strong pitch helps judges see your idea, your plan, and your passion. Here's how to structure it for maximum impact.
01
The Problem
What issue are you solving? Who does it affect and why does it matter? Use stats, quotes, or short stories to make it real and relatable.
02
Your Solution
What's your big idea? How does it make life better or solve the problem in a new way? Be specific—what makes your idea stand out from others?
03
Your Target Market
Who are your customers or community members? How will you reach them? The clearer you are, the stronger your pitch becomes.
04
Your Business Model
How will your venture make money and impact? You don't need every detail—just show it's realistic and sustainable for growth.
05
Your Impact
What positive change will your venture create if it succeeds? Impact can be measured in lives touched, waste reduced, or awareness raised.
06
Your Why
What inspired you to start this? Authentic stories connect with judges and make your venture memorable and meaningful.
07
Your Ask
If you win the $1,000 prize, how will you use it? Tie your plan back to growth and impact to show strategic thinking.
What Judges Look For
Understanding the Teen Accelerate rubric will help you craft a winning pitch. Judges evaluate ventures across these key dimensions, looking for ventures that demonstrate both vision and viability.
1
Problem & Solution
Clear identification of a real problem and an innovative, feasible solution that addresses it effectively.
2
Impact Potential
Demonstrated ability to create meaningful, measurable change that scales as the venture grows.
3
Business Model
Realistic plan for generating revenue and sustaining operations while maintaining your social mission.
4
Presentation
Clear, confident delivery with compelling storytelling that engages judges and communicates passion.
5
Originality
Fresh perspective or unique approach that differentiates your venture from existing solutions.

Pro tip: Judges want to see that you've thought deeply about your venture but also that you're open to learning and adapting. Show both confidence and curiosity.
Final Tips for Pitch Day
You've prepared your venture, crafted your pitch, and now it's time to shine. These final tips will help you deliver with confidence and leave a lasting impression on the judges.
Start Strong
Hook the audience with a story, question, or surprising fact. The first 30 seconds set the tone for your entire pitch.
Show Your Passion
Energy matters — people invest in people. Let your enthusiasm for solving this problem shine through authentically.
Be Clear and Confident
You don't need every answer, just the key ones. Speak with conviction about what you know and be honest about what you're still figuring out.
Practice Your Timing
You will only have 5 minutes to pitch. Rehearse until your delivery feels natural but stays within time limits.
End with Purpose
Remind the judges how your idea makes a difference. Leave them inspired by your vision for a better world.
Good Luck!
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