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Located on the campus of The University of Alabama


2007-2008 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Purpose

To recognize excellence in non-profit leadership in innovatively solving social problems and to showcase outstanding socially oriented entrepreneurship in Alabama.

Eligibility

All Alabamians who create unique, innovative, and sustainable programs in communities to correct societal issues are encouraged to apply.  Nominees should have worked in their entrepreneurial ventures for a minimum of one year.  Nominations should document the contributions the entrepreneur has made to communities.  Nominees must adhere to all guidelines, and all materials must be submitted by all deadlines.

Award

The winning entrepreneur and three guests of his or her choosing will be invited to a banquet where he or she will be announced as the award winner and presented with an award at the Entrepreneurship Week Banquet, Thursday, February 28 2008.

Criteria

  1. The entrepreneur demonstrates leadership, passion, and a clear vision in his or her work.
  2. The entrepreneur demonstrates original strategy in attaining his or her vision for community change.
  3. Programs generated by the entrepreneur are sustainable and demonstrate creativity in solving problems.
  4. The entrepreneur leads committed volunteers and secures significant financial support from private sector parties or generates funds from products or services produced by the organization.
  5. The entrepreneur’s work is a model for others and has social, economic, political, or environmental impact.
  6. The entrepreneur demonstrates overall talent in the field of entrepreneurship through measurable results and continued commitment to sustaining the vitality of society.

Process

Applications for the 2007-2008 awards are now being accepted from all eligible applicants.  The nominee may submit applications personally; or a third party may submit an application on the nominee’s behalf.

Deadline for all nominations is January 14, 2008.  Please send entries to the following address:

            ATTN:  D. M. Ford
            Box 870225
            Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Submission Requirements

All nominations must include the following components:

  1. Application Form
  2. 1-2 Page Nominee Résumé

Optional

  • Additional 1-3 pages of supporting documents evidencing how the nominee meets the criteria and why he or she is deserving of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year award may be submitted.  Documents may include biographical sketches, letters of recommendation, press releases, or any others that help demonstrate the candidate’s entrepreneurial qualifications.