PURPOSE
The purpose of this meetup is to provide a place to discuss the specifics of funding, creating and running a sustainable venture, social enterprise or other for-benefit organization. This emerging sector, which spans the for-profit and non-profit worlds, is still taking shape, and there is no silver bullet solution for people who want to create socially- and environmentally-impactful organizations that can stand the test of time. So we need to create the framework in which we operate.

PROCESS
In addition to the typical aspects of a meetup -- introductions, community announcements and a general give-and-take atmosphere -- we expect to split each meetup into two sessions.

Presentations And Problem Solving
We will two or three entrepreneurs tell us about their business, with a focus on their biggest existing challenge. After these presentations, the group will break into groups to advise the entrepreneurs, troubleshoot their problems, and offer collective intelligence it would be hard to convene otherwise.

Amazing Speaker
We will invite thought leaders in triple-bottom-line and/or sustainable principles to share their latest observations, and engage a discussion about running sustainable ventures and social enterprises. We expect this open dialog will both benefit the presenter, as well as the group, moving our collective practice forward.

WHO SHOULD COME?
We expect a mix of people to join us, including social entrepreneurs, business owners, non-profit executives, investors, thought leaders and the media, as well as anyone else who want to learn about running a transformative organization.

People from the cleantech, web 2.0, LOHAS, non-profit, biotech, media and other related and unrelated fields will all share and gain new perspectives on this challenge.

THIS IS A NO-PITCHING EVENT
1. The emphasis is on collective learning. We want everyone -- especially the investing community -- to feel that they are welcome to learn, and not be on the defensive.
2. Entrepreneurs seeking funding have many other avenues to pitch, and we will share resources for those activities during our sessions.
3. Service providers (lawyers, head-hunters, accountants) who want to transform their business are welcome, but we are not interested in having you shill your business while we're all learning.

THIS IS A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
Although the catalyst for this meetup is Greg Berry, it's not a one-way flow of energy, capital and information from him to the group. In order for us to be successful, we will need the activities, support and engagement of a much broader group. You will see an ever-growing group of "sponsors" who are lending their ongoing support to this endeavor.

FEES
We are asking for a $5 donation for each session. This will be collected at the event. We will be announcing an option to buy an annual subscription at the events.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD
No effort too small. Please email, blog, tweet, notify, update and call you friends, colleagues and peers to get them to show up.