SVI offers the mission-based entrepreneur an opportunity to share challenges, successes, and experiences with peers in an atmosphere of trust and goodwill.

Each attendee brings a commitment of social change to their enterprise, whether a for-profit business or a non-profit organization. Over the years, SVI has provided over 2,300 entrepreneurs the opportunity to strengthen their business skills, network with other social change leaders, and rejuvenate their passion and vision.

SVI Hollyhock is presented by Renewal and Social Venture Network (SVN).

17th Annual Social Venture Institute (SVI) Hollyhock

September 12th-16th, 2012
Hollyhock Centre, Cortes Island, BC

Seventeen Years Experience Creating Forums for Change

Since 1996, SVI has offered leaders of social purpose businesses a forum in which to air their business problems and receive advice and mentoring. Founded by Gary Hirshberg, President and CEO of Stonyfield Farm, SVI was designed to provide an interactive and affordable way for entrepreneurs to explore creative ways to succeed.

Intentionally Designed to Foster Growth

The format of SVI is highly interactive and experiential. Participants present their business problems to a panel of experienced business leaders and fellow participants. In return, they receive advice, tools, and resources to strengthen and grow their enterprise in a socially conscious way. Based on evaluations and testimonials, participants uniformly reflect that SVI is one of the best investments they’ve made in growing their social purpose enterprises.

Supportive and Experienced Network

The combination of high quality mentors, a confidential and supportive environment, and a practical problem-solving format enables participants to acquire a rich portfolio of skills, a plan to grow their social purpose organization, and a network of contacts to support their enterprise. SVI participants are first or second-stage entrepreneurs who face challenges in growing an enterprise while maintaining a social mission.

"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."

-SVI Participant