One month ago, 140 business leaders and social entrepreneurs gathered on Cortes Island to share challenges, successes, and experiences with peers during the 15th Annual Social Venture Institute at Hollyhock. 

Here is what this year's participants had to say about it: 

 “Awesome learning, inspiration, sharing, networking, location, food and friendships.”

“What a community of kindhearted, smart and powerful people, supporting each other to be our most useful in the transformation of the world. I never dreamed this could exist, but it's real.”

 “SVI provides the venue and recipe to learn, grow and challenge your boundaries.

“SVI was the perfect mix of smart, passionate people, networking, learning and fun!” 

“I’m extremely appreciative of being woven into the network, making new friendships, engaging new mentors, and understanding more fully my role and opportunity within the social change community."

“The opportunity to talk honestly about your business challenges in such a supportive environment with the 'cone of silence' is both unique and compelling.”   

“Hollyhock is a phenomenal venue. And SVI has truly changed the way I approach my company, lifestyle and career. The ripples have just begun!”

Check out a full list of organizations present at SVI 2010. 

Don't take our word for it, see what others had to say. Check out these great blog posts by SVI participants.

“Incredibly passionate, high-performing individuals with so much to offer, w illing to share their knowledge and expertise without an ounce of hollow networking that comes along with these types of events.”  – Steve Rio

Check out Steve’s full and entertaining review of his first SVI at Hollyhock online.

“This is the organic brown bread of business conferences; it requires serious contemplation, chewing and digesting. You have to sit down and listen and share and think and process.” – Mary Caros, Vancouver Observer. 

Read Mary's full post on the Vancouver Observer website.

“Throughout the five days there is an emphasis on social activities, so that by the end, people have made friends, not just contacts. It's these newfound relationships and bonds we take back to the real world that are the real value of attending SVI at Hollyhock.” – Toby Barrazoul

Check out Toby’s great write up pre-SVI in Granville Magazine online .

“After my time at Hollyhock, I have come away reminded that we are all social entrepreneurs. Whether we work for ourselves or for a large corporation, we have the choice to do well and good at the same time. As one of the participants said to me, “We are all in the business of doing well while doing good.” He suggested that it should just be a given that these two things sit side by side.” – John Izzo 

 Read John's full blog post on his SVI reflections online .

Some people say, a picture is worth a thousand words:
Check out what the amazing Sara Dent captured during SVI 2010 

Stay Connected:

Are you interested in stying up to date in the plans for the next SVI Hollyhock? Email svi@renewalpartners.com and request to have your name added to the SVI enews list.

Also, join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/SVIHollyhock. 

Save the Date: SVI Hollyhock  - September 14-18, 2011