The SGB Lab aims to teach methodology, provide resources, and create a network of social innovators. Each year, 50 Brazilians with ideas to address societal problems and reach the UN's Sustainable Development Goals participate in the Lab. They must use Design Thinking, Lean Startup Method, and Canvas Business Modeling to create and test solutions to their target societal problem. For current projects, see microprojects.
In Brazil, there is a vast number of problem that far surpasses the capacity of traditional actors to address-- lack of women's rights, environmental degradation, governmental corruption. Action must come from individuals. But inspired individuals often fail to actualize their solutions. Ideas remain ideas and never become action. These potential social innovators lack the knowledge, skills, networks, and financial resources to transform their ideas into viable, effective action.
We take 50 proactive and empowered Brazilians through a rigorous 4-month workshop that include 3 in-person weekends. We teach the Labbers Design Thinking, Lean Startup Method, and Canvas Business Modeling and require that they apply these methodologies to their own initiatives. Our program also cultivates a network of past and present Labbers who collaborate on projects for the future. At the end, the top 3 indicatives receive jumpstarting seed money.
SGB is an intermediary organization that incubates both ideas and people. 65% of indicatives continue beyond the Lab process. The Lab also fosters connections between these empowered and risk-taking individuals who often team together on initiatives. As time passes, the number of Labbers increases, and thus the number of people willing and skilled enough to address societal problems. Our net reach is over 23 million, and we are community of over 180,000.
