2025 Entrepreneur's Cup - Black Oak Social Innovation Award
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Social innovation is about using business ideas to tackle social issues. It is possible to make a profit and positively impact society at the same time. Doing good is good for business. Funding for the Black Oak Social Innovation Award comes from the Moore Family. 

Social innovation unites the passion of a social mission with an image of business-like discipline, innovation, and determination. Examples of social innovation include organizations like Patagonia, which is one of the most sustainable outdoor apparel brands that has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment, and Grameen Bank, which provides micro-loans to individuals in poverty to help them start small businesses.

Overall, social entrepreneurship blends business expertise, innovation, and a strong commitment to creating a positive impact on society or the environment.

Up to $9,000 in prize money awaits the top three ideas that best integrate social causes into their business models.

 

Who is eligible?

Teams competing in the Entrepreneur's Cup Competition who have been selected to present in the Pitch Presentation. These teams will have an opportunity to compete for the Black Oak Award if a social cause is incorporated into their business model.

The purpose of this award?

To recognize Oklahoma students and their teams who seek to address societal problems and effect positive change by employing business strategies, innovative thinking, and sustainable approaches.

The Process?

Semifinalist and finalist teams will have a chance to compete for the Black Oak Award by showcasing a business model has a social cause. Eligible teams will participate in interviews with a panel of judges. The top three ideas that best integrate social causes into their business models will share $9,000 in prize money.

Criteria

Intentionality/authenticity

  • How did you get your idea? (Tell your story)
  • What is your personal experience regarding this social cause?
  • Why are you doing this?
  • What is your vision for integrating this cause? What is more important, social cause or business?

Sustainable Development Goals

  • List your SDGs (UN Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs)

Social cause/business model integration and viability

  • How do you explain your business and how it integrates into the social impact

Meaningful metrics for social impact

  • How will you measure your impact?
  • Benefit reports from B-Labs (B Impact Assessment) 

Impact on the industry

  • How does this disrupt the industry?
  • How will this set new standards regarding social issues?
  • How are you taking on the responsibility of impacting the industry?