GuideWell has launched the Growing Resilient Communities Challenge to break down the barriers that prevent equitable economic and healthy living opportunities for Floridian’s living in under-resourced communities.

This four-month challenge is targeted to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, social innovators and grassroot organizations and is focused on sourcing novel approaches that empower community residents to be actively involved in developing their neighborhood’s long-term resiliency.

*Apply by August 6, 2021

The challenge will award a total of $100,000 in prize money to organizations with sustainable, innovative approaches that align with one of the following focus areas:

 

Programs or proven approaches that provide knowledge, mentorship and capital to jumpstart local small businesses and drive place-based entrepreneurship

 

Educational programs that teach financial literacy and credit skills or that provide legal or educational counseling to families living in distressed Florida communities

 

Organizations that offer mobile or virtual health services that can be offered “on demand” in a distressed community

 

Organizations that can provide a safe convening place within a distressed community to host community input forums, entrepreneurship skills workshops and regular health and wellness clinics

 

Programs or models that mentor people within a local community to design and bootstrap their own baseline community development strategy or social enterprise
The individuals and organizations with the most promising approaches will compete in one of four virtual, regional competitions throughout the state. Three regional finalists from each area will receive $5,000 per organization and an opportunity to compete at the statewide challenge for a chance to win a grand prize of $40,000 to fund their unique solution. Following the statewide finals, selected participants will have the opportunity to network with potential funders, industry experts and other innovators at the Growing Resilient Communities Well-Being Forum in October. Forum details are forthcoming.

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