2014 Social Enterprise Challenge Finalists

• Evan Dobos, Civic Lift: An online platform promoting civic engagement.
• Amanda Rinderle, A&J Public Benefit Corp: Organic Cotton and fairly sourced shirts.
• David Rubin, ElectroSpinU: A Fitness company with a passion for electronic dance.
• Linda Neaton, The Verge Awards: An online high school talent competition that funds art education.
• Candice Huges, AdaptTac Games LLC: Mobile Games that help children with behavioral health issues.
• Vishal Patel, A Happy Life: Fair trade coffee roasting company; 100% of profits go back to farmers.
• Spencer Curry, Fresh Farm Aquaponics: Food justice-oriented aquaponics farm.
• Arati Sureddi, LOTUS Alliance: An online travel agency that helps to fund job training opportunities for victims of human trafficking.
• Marianne Pantalon, Step Stones Jewelry: Stylish activity monitors that reward users with contributions to charity.
• Joseph DeRisi, Urban Miners, LLC: Salvage and resale of architectural and building materials.

After months of multiple rounds of vetting, judging, and coaching, these ten finalists have been selected from dozens of social enterprise applicants to the Social Enterprise Challenge, and now move onto the judging phase of the competition. An independent panel of business experts will select the 4 award recipients who will be recognized at reSET’s Awards celebration on October 28th at The Society Room in Hartford, CT. The theme of this year’s event is “Superheroes of Social Enterprise.”

The 4th Annual Social Enterprise Awards recognizes Connecticut social entrepreneurs with the most viable, sustainable, market-based solutions for some of our state’s most pressing social problems. Winners will receive prizes of unrestricted capital to advance their business to the next level, public recognition, and valuable business advisory services provided on a pro bono basis by prominent local businesses. This year’s top prize is $15,000, and the total pool exceeds $30,000

During the awards ceremony, Will Haughey, co-founder of Tegu Corp., will accept reSET’s Social Innovation Award on behalf of himself and his brother Chris Haughey, co-founders of Tegu Corp. Will Haughey will also provide keynote remarks. Each year, reSET recognizes a prominent social enterprise that has harnessed the power of business to make a social impact and whose corporate conduct has inspired others. Past winners of the Social Innovation Award have included Warby Parker and Honest Tea.

Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite finalist! Starting September 15th each of the finalists videos will be posted on our website. Take a look and vote for your favorite ! The video with the most votes will win this year’s People’s Choice Award. Voting is open from September 15th – 30th!

Join us on October 28th   at The Society Room in Hartford to hear the powerful stories of entrepreneurs who have committed to creating businesses that combine both purpose and profit.

Purchase your ticket HERE