COLUMBUS, Ohio — GiveBackHack, a local organization dedicated to fostering social enterprises, successfully launched its first annual GiveBackHack weekend at The Ohio State University from September 30 to October 1. The event exemplified the power of innovation and community support, bringing together aspiring change-makers to refine their social enterprise ideas.
The event began on September 30, where students participated in ideation sessions enriched with the guidance of Adam Morris’s Social Impact Starter Kit. With this guidance, students were able to crystalize their ideas around their deepest passions. By the end of the day, significant strides had been made in the development of their social enterprise concepts, setting the stage for a weekend filled with creative energy.
On Sunday, students continued to refine and iterate their business models with unwavering determination. The highlight of the event was the grand finale – pitching their innovative ideas to a panel of esteemed guest judges. Each team exhibited remarkable dedication and creativity. To acknowledge their hard work, each team was presented with in-kind awards that would further fuel the growth of their ventures.
Throughout the weekend, the invaluable support of mentors played a pivotal role. The mentors, with their wealth of experience, provided essential guidance and mentorship, empowering students to push the boundaries of their creativity and strategic thinking.
The GiveBackHack team extends heartfelt gratitude to these mentors and all contributors who made this event possible. Their mission of driving social impact through entrepreneurship is a collective effort, made possible by the unwavering support of an inspiring community.
We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Buckeye Social Entrepreneurship Program. It is only a part of their strong social entrepreneurship ecosystem that they are developing. Following this event, students will focus on preparing applications for the OSU x SEA Change cohort in Spring 2023.
