HBSCP Social Enterprise Initiative
A Commitment to the Community
Philadelphia’s quality of life and vibrancy is greatly enhanced through the good works of the many nonprofits focusing on cultural endeavors and the arts. These organizations are making a brighter future for our children and increasing the value of our communities and environment.
But nonprofit leaders traditionally have not had the same opportunities as executives in business, sports, science, politics and other fields, where extraordinary leadership dramatically affects the results and performance of organizations. In the nonprofit world, there is increasing realization that the application of sound business practices and cutting-edge thinking can transform the effectiveness and efficiency of these vital community groups. High quality, relevant continuing education opportunities for nonprofit leaders is often lacking and, when it is available, is expensive. Many nonprofits do not make management education a priority, nor do they have the budget flexibility to fund such a discretionary line item. And many nonprofit leaders come from back-grounds other than business.
To fill these gaps, the Social Enterprise Initiative focuses on the executive education – finance, operations, marketing and strategy – of the Philadelphia Region’s nonprofit leaders. The program sends nonprofit CEOs to Boston to attend the Harvard Business School’s annual Strategic Initiatives in Nonprofit Management program. The Initiative also exposes nonprofit senior executives to continuing education and networking seminars.
As an example, the Club organizes an annual conference featuring university faculty, expert panels, educational sessions and networking opportunities. Over 70 nonprofit CEOs will attend this year’s program focusing on next generation marketing, where HBS Professor John Deighton will be the session leader. Steve Ennen, Managing Director of Wharton's Interactive Media Initiative, will be the keynote speaker. Finally, Thoai Nguyen, Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition, Inc. will share how his organization leveraged a media strategy that supported their strategic goals.
Indeed, the Club’s direct tie into the Harvard Business School – one of the world’s top business programs – and its alumni, many of whom hold senior positions in major corporations, makes the Initiative a compelling offering for our region’s nonprofits and an excellent opportunity for synergy between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
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