With the June 1 deadline to apply to our 2016 Impact Challenge fast approaching, Programs Manager Benjamin Telep-Simmons wanted to share the following 5 tips with those in the reSET community who are thinking of or are in the process of applying. 

• Make a strong case for impact – Social and environmental impact can be created in many ways, directly and indirectly, and within many contexts. Great applicants think carefully about how their business can, or is creating positive impact, and have some semblance of a framework for how to evaluate and measure that impact.
• Evidence of customer traction – Traction can be measured in many ways, but none are quite as compelling as sales, and in particular, a growth in sales.
• Sound financial assumptions – We don’t ask you to upload spreadsheets of financial projections, but are more interested in the quality of the assumptions that underpin your cost and revenue models.
• Rounding out your team with advisors – If you are a solo entrepreneur, or have a small team, we look to see that you have supplemented your skill and expertise gaps with mentors and advisors.
• Compelling case for product/market fit – Strong applicants will present clear evidence that there is a market opportunity for their product/service, and that their business offering is designed to solve a clear customer problem.