Social Venture Institute offers the mission-based entrepreneur an opportunity to share challenges, successes, and experiences with peers in an atmosphere of trust and goodwill. Each attendee brings a commitment of social change to their enterprise, whether a for-profit business or a non-profit organization.

In 2020, SVI celebrates its 25th anniversary at Hollyhock. Over a quarter century, SVI has provided over 3,000 entrepreneurs the opportunity to strengthen their business skills, network with other social enterprise leaders, and rejuvenate their passion and vision.

Intentionally Designed to Foster Growth

The format of SVI is highly interactive and experiential. Participants present their business problems to a panel of experienced business leaders and fellow participants. In return, they receive advice, tools, and resources to strengthen and grow their enterprise in a socially conscious way. Based on evaluations and testimonials, participants uniformly reflect that SVI is one of the best investments they’ve made in growing their social purpose enterprises.

Supportive and Experienced Network

The combination of high quality mentors, a confidential and supportive environment, and a practical problem-solving format enables participants to acquire a rich portfolio of skills, a plan to grow their social purpose organization, and a network of contacts to support their enterprise. SVI participants are first or second-stage entrepreneurs who face challenges in growing an enterprise while maintaining a social mission.

Unique Format for Out of the Box Results

Take advantage of this opportunity to fine tune business strategies, learn best practices for solving problems and build long lasting relationships with business peers and mentors. Get direct feedback for your current business challenges from a faculty of successful socially responsible enterprise leaders. Hear inspiring “True Confessions” – personal stories from experienced entrepreneurs and their struggles to reach success combining social mission with business.

At SVI you will:

  • Share innovative ideas to help improve the way you manage, promote and finance your businesses and projects
  • Build a stronger sense of community, cooperation, mission and effectiveness
  • Experience the deep rejuvenation integral to the learning journey

This program is for CEOs, Executive Directors, Founders, key staff, social entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders from across sectors.

  • "SVI was exactly what I had hoped for - a place to reconnect, be inspired, and be reminded with why I love business as a vehicle of change."

    Zoe Currelly Saltspring Harvest

  • "I was looking for a deep-dive into the social venture sphere: to learn, connect with leaders in the field, and come away with tools to help build a better world. SVI delivered."

    Adam Lynes-Ford Iron & Earth

  • "SVI allowed me to connect with others in the engaged in social purpose and purpose-driven work in an intense and comprehensive way that I have never experienced anywhere else."

    Matt Hessey Hessey Consulting + Architecture Inc.

  • "SVI offered a caring, compassionate space to discuss the very real problems and challenges being faced every day by social ventures and organizations. The honesty and willingness to share, and the genuine desire to help and support, truly impressed and humbled me."

    Shannon Emmerson President, Forge & Spark Media Ltd.

  • "SVI helped me take charge of my business and put its destiny in my own hands. It helped me envision where I want my business to go and how I can design it to help build the life I want to lead!"

    Annelies Tjebbes

  • SVI is "must go to" event for anyone interested or engaged in using business as a force for good in the world. It is an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded and inspiring individuals, offers a great selection of professional growth seminars and other learning opportunities. But most of all it provides a beautiful environment of trust and genuine generosity that leaves you feeling well nourished and re-charged to do good work in the world. I highly recommend you go!

    Inga Michaelsen

  • I immediately KNEW that I was at the right place at the right time with SVI. It is the most holistic business conference I have attended to date, and it truly is the place to be as a social business owner.

    Selin Bilgin

  • SVI was a very informative, supportive and inspiring time away from my day to day work life. I was surrounded by like-minded super heroes all creating positive change which was a huge impactful for me. The break out sessions were packed full of excellent information which I will be implementing moving forward. Coming into the conference I was feeling depleted of my creative energy and was surprised to feel replenished with optimism for our business. Thank you for harvesting an eye-opening event such as this, more please!

    Cinci Csere Sea to Sky Removal

  • Such amazing connections were formed with such incredible people. This truly is a place to build the community that will build the future we've all been waiting for.

    Adam Bailey