VentureOn 2024: Honoring Teams Based On Social Impact and Community Development
This is the fourth article in a series highlighting the Spring 2024 VentureOn teams. In this article, we'll delve into teams that focus on ventures related to Social Impact and Community Development. VentureOn is a program that spans a semester and requires an application. It gives students the opportunity to validate a problem and create a practical solution related to their personal interests. These projects can cover social issues, business concepts, or product ideas. The students come from multiple different universities with a variety of different majors and areas of study.
Venture: Sports for Community
This venture named, “Sports for Community” strives to alleviate the pressure to excel, which usually pushes teens away from sports for the purpose of enjoyment and physical activity. Sports for Community also redefines the narrative surrounding sports participation, recognizing its potential not just for competition but also for the well-being and community building. By alleviating the pressure to excel, particularly prevalent among teens, the venture aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to engage in sports for the sheer joy of movement. Through workshops, mentorship, and outreach initiatives, Sports for Community advocates for a shift in mindset, emphasizing the importance of participation over performance, fostering a culture where everyone feels welcomed and valued regardless of the skill level.
Innovation Snapshot:
In addition the venture is currently conducting problem interviews, talking to people about the problem, and learning more about people’s exercise, and athletic journey. The problem has been better identified through the interviews. Sports for Community has embarked on a comprehensive exploration of user experiences and behavioral patterns within the realm of exercise and athletics. Through research and observational studies, Sports for Community is gaining valuable insights into the factors that are shaping individuals' fitness journeys. By immersing themselves in the daily lives of our target audience, the team is uncovering hidden pain points and enriching their understanding of the problem landscape. This deep dive into user behavior not only enhances the team's problem identification process but also lays the groundwork for designing solutions that resonate authentically with the needs and aspirations of the community.
Impact and Future Plans:
Based on the impact and future plans, Sports for Community is helping young adults discover the fun and lifelong benefits of exercise. Soon some of the team members will be graduating with a focus in Global Enterprise Management. Also, some of the team members are currently applying their entrepreneurial spirit through VentureOn. Sports for Community's ultimate goal is to empower young adults to embrace exercise as a joyful and sustainable part of their lives, transcending the barriers that hinder participation.
By fostering a culture of enjoyment and inclusivity, we aspire to cultivate a generation that values their well-being and recognizes the lifelong benefits of physical activity. By the educational background of the team members, they will be able to leverage their background in Global Enterprise Management, and will be dedicated to applying their entrepreneurial principles to drive meaningful change through initiatives like VentureOn. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and social impact, Sports for Community envision a future where individuals of all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive and flourish through their engagement with sports and fitness.
Venture: Culture Connect
This venture named, “Culture Connect” seeks to address the pervasive issues to solve the problem of not being motivated, passionate, or happy with their work. Through tailored interventions and organizational strategies, we aim to create cultures where individuals feel valued, empowered, and connected to their work. By nurturing a sense of purpose and belonging, we believe that organizations can unlock untapped potential, driving both individual fulfillment and collective success. As we navigate the complexities of modern work environments, Culture Connect is committed to championing practices that prioritize individuals.
Innovation Snapshot:
Culture Connect is currently still in the idea and cultivation phase, the team is mapping out the plan to establish the key problem and a proper solution. In their current innovation snapshot, Culture Connect is in the early stages of development, navigating the landscape of the workplace dynamics. The team is diligently mapping out their strategy to identify the key challenges faced by employees and organizations alike, with a keen focus on cultivating solutions that foster motivation, passion, and happiness in the workplace. The plan is to establish the key problem and a proper solution for this issue. Through rigorous research and iterative ideation, the team is laying the groundwork for a comprehensive framework that addresses the multifaceted aspects. As they continue to refine our approach, they remain steadfast in their commitment to driving positive change and creating environments where individuals thrive and organizations flourish.
Impact and Future Plans:
The team is inspired by the wisdom of notable leaders who advocate for authenticity as a catalyst for meaningful change, their vision for the future is based on a commitment to embracing one's true self. This also applies to the educational and leadership backgrounds of team members, which align with their business venture "Culture Connect." These backgrounds are influenced by previous leadership roles, such as serving as Co-President of the Future Business Leaders of America Club, which have shaped their approach to leadership. Through hosting events, designing initiatives, and leading by example, Culture Connect strives to create spaces where individuals feel empowered to be their authentic selves, fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and growth. Looking ahead, they are dedicated to leveraging their experiences and insights to continue driving a positive impact both within the communities and beyond.
The Success And Impact That Businesses Have On Social And Environmental Factors:
Businesses play a pivotal role in successfully tackling social and environmental issues. Through corporate social responsibility and sustainable practices, they contribute to education access, healthcare provision, and environmental conservation. By aligning with social and environmental values, companies leverage their resources to correspond with change. Therefore, social and environmental factors also influence policies, norms, and consumer behavior, shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
Congratulations to VentureOn Teams:
Congratulations to all the teams who have participated and put forth so much effort towards being a part of VentureOn, this includes the teams mentioned above and other participants such as Sports for Community, Culture Connect, Big Rigs Invasive Species Removal, EmpowerHer, Saviour-Organization, and BonaFyde. Their strong entrepreneurial passion and drive will continue to shine on through the innovative entrepreneurs within VentureOn.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
