Description:

BOOST is a live, crowd-funded pitch fest in support of energy, ecosystem, and waste innovations in Chicago.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Social Entrepreneurs with unique and innovative projects apply to pitch their concepts to a live audience at the BOOST event. Audience members vote with their ticket contributions to determine the winning innovators. Winners split the BOOST grant - funds raised by the Delta Emerging Leaders - as well as the night's ticket sales to fund their business projects. Last year, BOOST grants totaled $4,000 to each of the two winners.

This community-driven approach to financing social ventures overcomes a funding barrier for local entrepreneurs and engages hundreds of people to directly invest in the future of Chicago. Past winners have used BOOST funds to bring a waste compost club and backyard farming business to scale.