optiMize Challenge Overview

2024

What’s included:

  • Our mission and guiding principles

  • 3 questions that guide funding decisions

  • Overview of the Challenge with event dates

  • FAQs about funding, attendance, and other expectations


Cohort XIII optiPortal

optiPortal is where you can find everything you need to navigate the SIC and its opportunities. Here’s what you can expect from each section:

What’s included:

  • Overview: Get a summary of the core components of the SIC, including workshops, Pods, and funding opportunities.

  • Help & Support: Have questions or need assistance? This section lets participants directly contact the optiMize team. You can also manage your participation in the SIC by applying or withdrawing from the program.

  • Participants Directory: Discover the profiles of all participants who have committed to the SIC. Learn more about their background and projects, and participants can easily update their profiles.

  • Projects Directory: Find and explore all projects created throughout the workshops. This dynamic space allows participants to create and update their project profiles as they evolve during the SIC.

  • Mentorship Directory: Meet the mentors affiliated with the SIC! This directory helps participants find professionals aligned with their project goals. Reach out to mentors for valuable guidance and support.

  • Events Calendar: Stay on top of all SIC events, from in-person and virtual workshops to social gatherings and networking events. Keep track of key dates to make the most out of the program.

Workshop Resources

Workshop 1

Social Innovation & Visioning

September 29, 2024

What’s included:

  • Slides on visioning, identities, stakeholder identification and overview of the SIC

Workshop 2

Problem and Stakeholder Identification & Exploration

October 6, 2024

What’s included:

  • Slides on stakeholder engagement and mentorship

Workshop 3

Value Proposition & Ideation

November 3, 2024

What’s included:

  • Slides on prototyping

  • Stakeholder Persona template

Workshop 4

Prototyping

November 17, 2024

What’s included:

  • Slides on Prototyping

Workshop 5

Budgeting, Pitch Preparation, and Prototyping

January 12, 2025

What’s included:

  • Slides on budgeting, preparing pitching, and prototyping [to be posted after workshop!]

  • Budget Template (Competitor/Market Analysis template included)

 

Workshop 6

Storytelling & Pitching

January 26, 2025

What’s included:

  • Slides on storytelling (will be posted on workshop day!)

Additional Resources

Mentorship

Mentorship is a key component to a positive and successful experience. We have a vast network of mentors who are eager to assist you.

Logo Design

What’s included:

  • Slide deck on logo design basics from Valerie Le, optiMize Leadership - Design & Illustration

 

Value Propositions

What’s included:

  • Guide to creating your value proposition