Top Four Reasons Why I’m Going To SOCAP 09
I can think of over a hundred reasons to attend the SOCAP conference in San Francisco September 1-3, 2009.
What is SOCAP 09?
SOCAP (Social Capital Markets) “brings together a unique mix of the world’s top social innovators, investors, donors, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders, today’s leading catalysts of change from across the globe. [to] celebrate the renewed will and determination of these pioneers investing for social impact.”
The top four reasons why I’m attending…
- YOLA.com ACCION USA is partnering with Yola.com, a company that provides free web building and hosting tools. We are excited to bring technology and marketing tools to the microentrepreneurs that we serve. SOCAP is a chance to discuss this exciting new partnership.
- KIVA.org ACCION USA is in its third month of its pioneering partnership with Kiva.org, which speaks to the innovation that ACCION USA is bringing to the domestic microfinance industry. As the former Kiva fellow and current Kiva coordinator at ACCION USA, I am excited to hear Premal Shah speak about the future of social innovation on the web and Chelsa Bocci discuss Kiva’s community outreach initiatives.
- Sonal Shah from the White House’s office on Social Innovation is the keynote speaker and will be addressing the government’s new socially minded strategy to “effectively streamline government towards investing in what works.” This one speaks for itself.
- Day 3 Keynote: “An aspirational look at the future of our economy and society at large. Focusing on lessons learned outside of western society and the holistic nature of blended value ventures.” Bringing blended values to socially minded business sounds like a song to me and is a perspective that deserves considerable discussion.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to engage and learn from the list of over 100 speakers on panel discussions ranging from “Social Media That Moves People to Action” to “Alternative Financial Services for the Unbanked.” Check out the complete list. I look forward to my return to NYC after the conference as ACCION USA continues to expand and grow, generating innovative ideas and continuing to provide fresh products and services to our clients.
Tags: accion usa, chelsa bocci, erica dorn, kiva, premal shah, SOCAP 09

August 31st, 2009 at 7:27 pm
What a great event, and great partnerships. Accion continues to drive local entrepreneurship, making it the barrier to entry that much easier!