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 150 social entrepreneurs.

Social entrepreneurs can access 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, Central America, East Asia, Europe, Middle East, South America and South Asia. For each region, around 3-5 social entrepreneurs are selected annually.

The selection criteria are the same for both processes.The national and regional winners become part of the Schwab Foundation network and have access to the benefits provided by the Foundation.