2015 – The Great Social Enterprise Pitch
The Great Social Enterprise Pitch returned to Lancaster for the second year and concluded with a Shark Tank-style live pitch event showcasing the top five business ideas of the competition. Together, the businesses crowdfunded $42,500 for their business ideas, increasing last year’s crowdfunding total by nearly 200%, and engaged more than 700 individual contributors in their crowdfunding campaigns, more than ever before!
2015 Winners
Live Pitch Recap
The Stroopie Co. Takes Top Prize
A less than cookie-cutter approach to making cookies wound up winning big Friday night in Lancaster.
The Stroopie Co., which makes traditional Dutch cookies with the help of refugees, took the top prize at the Great Social Enterprise Pitch.
“We are just so absolutely thrilled. All of the ideas were just so phenomenal and to be picked as first is really just big affirmation for our social enterprise idea,” said Jennie Groff, a co-owner of the business. “It feels absolutely amazing.”
The Participants
Visual story-telling archive of Lancaster County residents.
A community space for artisans, machinists, and designers.
Breaking down employment barriers for women experiencing homelessness.
Selling fair-wage products to support educational programs for youth.
Judges
Featured Speaker
Gabriel Mandujano is the CEO and Owner of Wash Cycle Laundry. In addition to running his business, Mr. Mandujano serves on the board of the Sustainable Business Network of Philadelphia, a community of businesses and individuals that envisions a just and sustainable global economy comprised of local “living” economies that enhance community life and natural systems, and promote social justice and economic vitality. Previously, Gabriel served as the Manager of Strategic Alliances for the Center for Sustainable Transport, based in Mexico City, and the Executive Director of the Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation in West Philadelphia. He earned an MPhil in Land Economy from the University of Cambridge, and MSc in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as a BA in Urban Studies and a BS in Real Estate both from the University of Pennsylvania.
