We are incredibly excited to share the first round of pre-submitted ideas for GiveBackHack Philadelphia! Posted here is an in-depth view of ideas that will be pitched alongside the typical 50+ brand new ideas on Friday night of GiveBackHack.

So, what do the ideas below mean to you? If you’re inspired by the ideas below, you can get your ticket for GiveBackHack Philadelphia 2017 now. The entrepreneurs who have submitted these ideas have come to GiveBackHack because they’re looking for partners to make them a reality. You can also buy a ticket to GiveBackHack to pitch your own idea, or you could even submit your idea in advance, too. Submissions will be accepted until October 8th.

p.s. As always, any brand new idea can be pitched Friday night – regardless of whether you submit your idea in advance. However, no partially-vetted ideas will be accepted after October 8th, 2017.




Idea #1

GoWorkingSubmitted by Cole Still


What is the problem are you solving?

Co-working spaces are expensive, Often the market is saturated and sometimes you go to these places with the intention to connect, and there's only a couple people there. What about late- night work binges? I remember when I started my first idea, I couldn't afford to get a membership to a co-working space, and It placed doubt in my head. If I had been able to connect with other entrepreneurs like I was able to at GiveBackHack- years ago! Imagine where i'd be now.


How will this idea solve the problem?

I want to develop an app where I am able to provide a new stream of business into small businesses, such as cafes- coffee shops- casual eatery's- late night pubs- etc etc. It can be hard out there for these business owners. And on the other hand provide entrepreneurs a place to connect with other great minds, and nurture their creative spirit. Entrepreneurs can pay 50-500$ a month for a co-working membership, or they can pay significantly less and have a place where they can go out in the community and connect through curated events, that allow for them to grow and build their ideas.


Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

Partially-vetted


How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

I sent out a survey to confirm interest in my application, and I have a graphic designer for my app, I just need to get my app developed and marketed!


Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

In my career now, I have made connections throughout my community and I have to plan events that attract peoples attention every single day. I feel that I can connect the skills I have learned, and people I have met and put them to use. Everything happens for a reason. I believe that I could turn this into a really successful brand. I am bringing a designer, and a project manager with me- and I need people who can help me bring this out into the community,and roll it out big.



Idea #2

N/a! (Access to free menstrual care products)Submitted by Sarah Bender


What is the problem are you solving?

Access to free menstrual care products in public spaces and restrooms.


How will this idea solve the problem?

I am planning to design a dispenser that will be easy to use and to maintain and that will incentivize businesses to keep them fully stocked by leveraging marketing technology. Businesses will build strong brand loyalty with the patrons benefitting from this free service, while learning more about their audience and patrons.


Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

Brand New


Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

I've seen the problem first hand, I've volunteered and worked extensively around issues relating to women's health and reproductive rights, I have close connections in this space and am relentlessly passionate about making this a reality. I need help with designing the physical dispenser, developing the technology and marketing interface, and in conducting audience research to understand what market information is both valuable to businesses and non-invasive to ask of patrons.



Idea #3

Conversations that MatterSubmitted by Leslie Peters


What is the problem are you solving?

Societal awareness of our similarities and self awareness to move beyond our pasts. Breaking the cycle of the story...breaking the cycle of poverty


How will this idea solve the problem?

Ask same questions from diverse segments of the population. Uncover similarities in our self beliefs, negative self talk, Aces. By being vulnerable and owning their real self...freedom from shame...increased self awareness...continue with training to heal emotional scars of their past...support/coaching throughout transformational journey...


Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

Partially-vetted


How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

Started with interviewing 16 women; Need assistance with editing, social media, funding and research pertaining to Adverse Childhood Experiences


Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

I have significant history of childhood/adult trauma...i healed..my program is a guide to bow I moved beyond my wounds. I don't mind being vulnerable and sharing 1st...opens door for others to do same....connection created...mutual trust and respect result...foindation for change is laid



Idea #4

Affordable Socially Conscious Clothing (I haven’t thought of a specific name yet)Submitted by Rina Patel


What is the problem are you solving?

Due to a lot of variables, I have found that a lot of socially conscious and ethically made clothing is extremely expensive. The process it goes through makes the prices shoot up. This makes it inaccessible to a large population.


How will this idea solve the problem?

The question I would like to explore further is: Is there a way we can make ethically and socially conscious clothing more affordable? Is it possible to get it to lower prices so that it can compete with the H & Ms or Zaras of the world?


Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

Brand New


Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

I haven't spent most of my adult life (after 17) working in India. I have also spent the past 2 years traveling around Southeast Asia and living in India. After seeing the manufacturing process there and purchasing goods that would have been five fold the price in the US, I began wondering how we can change this practice of overpricing items. This also involves shifting the culture of consumption in the US. I think this idea could address both problems: making ethically made clothing more affordable while creating a movement that addresses over consumption.



Idea #5

Breaking Down ‘The Other’Submitted by Rina Patel


What is the problem are you solving?

I see the root of many humans issues in the lack of community and in the way we communicate effectively with one another. With the rapid advancement of technology, I see the need for in person dialogue and communication now more than ever. There are many experienced facilitators in the world, but I see a growing need for millennials who can host and engage in dialogue that is neutral and not hate centered.


How will this idea solve the problem?

I would like to create a program which engages students and/or young professionals to engage in dialogue groups based on a conflict they are facing in their own communities and globally. I would like to explore the idea and the solution a bit more through the hackathon.


Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?

Partially-vetted


How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?

I've spent the past year visiting different ecosystems that use dialogue and conflict resolution to understand the perspective of opposing sides. This idea is certainly present in certain communities, but doesn't include the various cultural, social, and political factors. Visiting these various ecosystems has allowed me to see the gift of having experienced and neutral perspectives present in the room. This means having people who use an approach that include non-violent communication and other dialogue techniques in sensitive situations.


Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?

I spent the last 2 years living and working in India engaging in dialogue with the young women I was working with in slums and villages. I have also been hosting dialogue circles on and off for some time now as well as attending circles all around the world. I am currently going through a conflict training endorsed by the UN and will hopefully be involved in hosting some more circles as time goes on.


Inspired? 

Get your ticket for GiveBackHack Philadelphia 2017 or even submit your own social enterprise idea in advance.

 

Looking for Columbus ideas? Columbus 2017 Pre-submitted Ideas