GSBI+Methodology+for+Social+Entrepreneurship

Jesuit Ethos and Silicon Valley AcumenIn addition to the insights garnered fromworking with 365 social enterprises, the successof GSBI can be traced to its two major influences:the humanistic ethos of Jesuit higher educationand Silicon Valley acumen. GSBI is the flagshipprogram of the Miller Center for SocialEntrepreneurship at Santa Clara University, andit draws heavily from Silicon Valley’s culture ofinnovation and entrepreneurship.As a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic institution,Santa Clara University provides both intellectualresources and a social justice orientation thatare ideal for developing the capacity of socialenterprises. Its Jesuit tradition emphasizesprofessional training, ethical civic engagement,and a commitment to service to others, especiallythe poor and marginalized. 8 Santa Clara educatesits students and simultaneously seeks to foster amore just, humane, and sustainable world.The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurshipwas founded in 1997 9 as one of three Centersof Distinction at Santa Clara University. Thesecenters embody the university’s mission tounite students and faculty with local and globalleaders to address significant public issues. TheMiller Center accelerates global, innovationbasedentrepreneurship in service to humanity,turning its strategic focus to poverty eradicationthrough its three areas of work: GSBI, ImpactCapital, and Education and Action Research.Santa Clara University business school facultyfounded the Center and GSBI, but professionalstaff in the Miller Center now direct it. TheImpact Capital department creates innovativefinancial inclusion vehicles to unlock capitalflows, prepares social entrepreneurs forinvestment readiness, and educates impactinvestors. The Education and Action Researchdepartment anchors the Center firmly in theuniversity through classroom and field-basededucation on social entrepreneurship. Itprovides transformational social justice learningthrough the Global Social Benefit Fellowship,and it links social entrepreneurs with on-campusresearch. All of these efforts reflect the Center’scommitment to a pedagogy of accompaniment,of learning with and from social entrepreneurs.Silicon Valley grew up around Santa ClaraUniversity, and thus GSBI is able to draw onthe expertise of local entrepreneurs, investors,and executives to serve as program mentors.More than most other social enterprise capacitydevelopment programs, GSBI helps socialentrepreneurs strengthen their business modelsin order to scale.10