Search and Selection Process

The Schwab Foundation searches for leading social entrepreneurs around the world. Social Entrepreneurs have been selected into the Foundation’s network after a thorough due diligence process, including outside expert reviews and site visits. Until today, the network includes over 190 social entrepreneurs.

Social entrepreneurs may be considered for inclusion in the network by winning the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” distinction in one of the countries in which the Schwab Foundation is collaborating with a partner company.

For countries where the Foundation does not run a national competition, the selection occurs through a regional process. Currently, the Foundation searches for applicants from 
Africa, Asia, Europe ,Latin America and  Middle East and North Africa. For each region, around 3-5 social entrepreneurs are selected annually.