Apply to the Great Social Enterprise Pitch
Do you have a great business idea?
Are you building a business that puts people and planet first? The Great Social Enterprise Pitch is your chance to share that vision, and compete for funding to make it real.
Each year, five purpose-driven entrepreneurs are selected from our Idea Incubator to take the stage in Lancaster’s premier pitch competition. The Pitch is the culmination of a journey that starts with the Idea Incubator, a 9-week program designed to help early-stage founders turn bold ideas into viable, community-centered businesses.
If you’re ready to grow your impact and join a powerful community of changemakers, it starts here.
Applications are closed.
What You’ll Gain
The first step toward making it to the Great Social Enterprise Pitch, is our Idea Incubator, a 9-week experience designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs build businesses that drive social or environmental change.
Through this 9-week journey, you’ll:
- – Earn the opportunity to be selected as a finalist for the Great Social Enterprise Pitch and compete for cash prizes
- – Refine and validate your business idea with expert support
- – Learn what it takes to launch and grow a successful social enterprise
- – Create a plan that aligns your mission with financial sustainability
- – Build confidence in sharing your vision with funders, customers, and community
- – Join a cohort of fellow purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and mentors who believe in your impact
You’ll be surrounded by fellow entrepreneurs, experienced mentors, and a supportive team committed to your success.
Program Details
- Idea Incubator Course Fee, $250: This is a prerequisite for the Pitch. Payment is due before the first class session. Scholarships and payment plans are available upon request. Please submit your application first, and inquire after acceptance.
- Schedule: Classes are held in person every Wednesday from 6 to 8:30 pm
- Location: Southern Market, 100 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA
Important Dates:
- Info Session: May 7, 6–7pm
- Application Period Open: May 12
- Application Deadline: June 2
- Accepted Applicants Notified: June 9
- Idea Incubator classes from June 25-August 13 (This is a prerequisite for the Pitch)
- Pitch Prep for Final Five on August 20 & 27
- Great Social Enterprise Pitch event on September 4, 2025
Who Should Apply?
- – Working on a business idea with a clear social or environmental mission
- – Are motivated to create social or environmental impact through their business
- – Are committed to full participation and doing the work each week
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you’ve felt overlooked or left out of traditional business spaces, this program is designed to support you. You don’t need a polished business plan. What matters most is a strong idea and a clear commitment to bring it to life.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
A proud partnership
ASSETS is proud to partner with U.S. Small Business Administration to host the Women’s Business Center at ASSETS. As a part of the nationwide network of Women’s Business Centers, the Women’s Business Center at ASSETS strives to empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to information, contacts, contracts, and capital.
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Learn more »The Women’s Business Center at ASSETS houses all of Entrepreneur Training’s programs. The WBC exists to support small business owners who are starting or expanding their businesses. While extra consideration is given to the specific challenges and issues for women entrepreneurs, the programs serve all.
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Visit their site »The Women’s Business Center at ASSETS is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA-funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.