Spotlight: March 2010 Newsletter

William James Foundation

Socially Responsible Business Plan Competitions
(Affinity Lab member)

What makes WJF different from other business plan competitions?
The William James Foundation works with entrepreneurs who are starting for-profit companies with a defined social and/or environmental goal. Our goal is to grow the economy of places you can go to work, take care of your family, and add social value to the world through your job. We work world-wide, making a deliberate effort to reach beyond the “usual suspects” to find the next financially viable idea that will make the world a better place.

Please tell us about your April event:
On Saturday, April 10th, we will wrap up our annual competition cycle with an event at the U Street Affinity Lab. The event agenda is at www.williamjamesfoundation.org/aprilevents. The highlights of the event will include the top three DC-area teams making presentations, followed by a question and answer session with the judges and the audience. This will be followed by the top three teams world-wide making similar presentations. The event is free, and food and drink will be provided, but you must RSVP at: https://wjf.wufoo.com/forms/wjf-conference-april-10th/

How can we support William James Foundation?
The William James Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit. We are always looking for three things – Entrants (sustainable entrepreneurs we can work with), Reading Judges (Professionals who have successfully navigated the double bottom line), and Sponsors (people with the inclination and financial ability to make all of this happen).

Please tell us how you personally got involved with William James Foundation:
In 2002, I helped to found the organization, and served on the board. Two years later, I stepped in as executive director, and ran the foundation as a project of my for-profit technology company for several years. About a year ago, I ran out of spare technology companies, and starting working on the William James Foundation full time. I get to read people’s dreams for a living. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Ian Fisk
William James Foundation