The Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab is pleased to announce the 20 semifinalist teams receiving business coaching in the 2021 Social Venture Coaching Competition.
Representing idea-stage concepts, student projects and early-stage ventures, the following 20 teams reflect the commitment of the program to identify business approaches to challenges faced by historically underinvested populations in Los Angeles:
Apsy, a startup platform that utilizes machine programming to generate mobile apps.
Boddle Learning, a gamified math education platform that leverages AI and gameplay to combat educational gaps and helps improve student outcomes in elementary schools.
DronesRx, a company that provides a safe and convenient delivery of prescription medications directly to your door.
The Gesthaus Pantry, a food and beverage company that upcycles excess food.
Hughes Who Technologies Studio, a tech education company that prepares low-income and at-risk youth for employment in the technology industry.
Hydro Gummy, bite-sized hydration that helps older adults improve their water intake to enhance health and well-being.
In Lak'ech, a company that preserves the dynamic histories of Los Angeles families, with a focus on immigrant and indigenous communities, through digital storytelling.
Knit Marketing, a social enterprise and full-service digital marketing agency that hires and trains teens and young adults in all things digital.
Mobile Teacher, a company that connects a global community of passionate educators.
Moonlight Health, a group telehealth company that provides mental health support led by trained facilitators.
Nomad Ice Pops, a premium ice pop company that creates new entrepreneurial opportunities for underserved communities through a micro-franchise model.
On The Go LA, a short-term food truck rental service for food entrepreneurs.
OneDegree, a company that helps students and career switchers explore skilled non-degreed career paths.
Rebundle, proprietary braiding hair made from non-toxic, biodegradable plants to provide more comfort and less waste.
Refresh, a platform that connects surplus food from local restaurants to eco-friendly, deal-loving customers at a discounted price.
SASS Box, a subscription that help students navigate the college application process, while providing snacks and a mindfulness curriculum to support their transition to higher education.
Sisu VR, immersive anti-harassment, anti-discrimination and anti-bullying training for businesses.
Social Benefit, a company that helps low-income populations and their case managers forecast and plan for decreases to their government benefits as their income goes up.
StartFresh, an urban agriculture company that helps people transition out of homelessness by bringing employment directly to shelters through innovative vertical farming technologies.
Upful.ai, a software tool that leverages AI and behavioral science to privately coach people to write employee performance feedback and reviews that are meaningful, objective and unbiased.
The semifinalist teams were selected from a pool of student and alumni applicants representing nine different USC schools. Team members are currently receiving business coaching from Abby Fifer Mandell, executive director of the Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab, Don Lowell of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Pasadena City College, and an extended community of advisors and mentors. The coaching topics include customer segmentation, value proposition, marketing and distribution channels, revenue streams, human-centered design, and pitching and storytelling.
The teams will pitch their ideas to a private group of judges to select the most promising ideas and business models in advance of the SVCC Final Pitch Night on Monday, April 26, at which the top teams will pitch to a virtual room of investors, the USC community and social impact professionals to receive up to $100K in capital from The Rose Hills Foundation. The cash investments are intended to help teams implement their proposals and start their companies.