General Questions
What is the GoodCompany Ventures Incubator?
The GoodCompany Ventures Incubator is a program designed to accelerate the growth of social enterprise startups. By providing entrepreneurs access to industry experts, mentors, and strategic advisors, our mission is to boost a start-up’s potential for success.
Where does the Incubator take place?
The 2012 Incubator will be taking place in downtown Philadelphia at the University of the Arts Corzo Center.
What does “GoodCompany” mean?
A GoodCompany is a business committed to benefiting the social good through its structure and its output. A GoodCompany seeks both profit and social impact.
Who is organizing the program and why?
GoodCompany Ventures is run by veteran entrepreneurs, investors, lawyers, and others who have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to ethical business practices and social enterprise. GoodCompany Ventures was founded under Resources for Human Development (RHD), a 40-year-old social enterprise located in Philadelphia. GoodCompany recently combined with Green Village Philadelphia, a social enterprise incubator which offers year-round office space and training to its members. Together, GoodCompany and Green Village seek to accelerate social enterprise in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
How is GoodCompany Ventures structured?
GoodCompany is comprised of a board, an advisory board, staff, and interns who facilitate the GCV curriculum and develop strategies for boosting the Incubator’s performance.
Eligibility Questions
What types of companies are eligible to attend Incubator?
We are looking for for-profit social enterprises that are developing solutions to unmet social needs.
Can our entire founding team attend the Incubator?
Companies with founding teams are strongly encouraged to apply, though not singled out. But we do require that start-ups have already engaged partners.
Can I apply from outside the Philadelphia region?
Yes. As long as you are able to attend sessions in Philadelphia, you may apply from anywhere across the globe. Our last incubator hosted entrepreneurs from several states and countries
What stage companies are you looking for?
Candidates must have completed their concept stage, have already engaged partners, created a prototype and begun beta or test marketing. Companies should also anticipate needing external funding within 6-12 months.
Applying Questions
How much does it cost to attend the GoodCompany Ventures Incubator?
Attendance to the Incubator is free, but you must be able to make it to Philadelphia each week.
When is the deadline to apply and what is the overall timeline?
The Early Decision deadline is April 15th. Companies may be selected for additional review through May 21, and the Incubator will begin June 6, 2012.
What does the application process look like?
Applications to the Incubator are to be completed and submitted via the online form. If a company is selected for an interview, meetings will be scheduled to take place at our offices in Philadelphia or over the phone.
When will I know if I have been accepted to the Incubator?
Final decisions will be made by the end of May, and each company will be notified as to the status of its application.
Day-to-Day Questions
What will a typical week be like at the GoodCompany Ventures Incubator?
Each week expert panel sessions will be held. These sessions will entail presentations and discussions facilitated by industry experts. Each week there will also be workshops and debriefs that are intended to facilitate growth and community.
Do I have to stay in Philadelphia for the duration of the Incubator program?
Incubator participants need to be in Philadelphia for our weekly sessions, but do not need to live in the city. Participants in our last incubator commuted from NYC and elsewhere to our offices.