Miller Center for Global Impact

The Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, also known as Miller Center for Global Impact, is an accelerator at Santa Clara University dedicated to solving some of the world's most pressing problems through social enterprise. Founded in 1997, its mission is to accelerate social entrepreneurship to end poverty and protect the planet. The Center's investment thesis focuses on supporting social enterprises that demonstrate both strong impact potential and viable business models, enabling them to achieve scale and sustainability. They primarily work with enterprises in developing economies, focusing on sectors such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare.

Miller Center is renowned for its Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI) programs, which offer a range of acceleration services tailored to the needs of social enterprises at different stages. These include GSBI Online, a virtual program providing mentorship and curriculum, and GSBI Boost, a program designed to help early-stage social enterprises refine their business models. They also offer GSBI In-Residence, a more intensive, in-person program. A key differentiator is their extensive network of Silicon Valley executive mentors who provide pro bono guidance to participating entrepreneurs. This mentorship is a cornerstone of their acceleration model, offering invaluable strategic advice and connections.

Geographically, Miller Center has a strong focus on enterprises operating in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, addressing challenges faced by marginalized communities. While they don't directly invest capital, they play a crucial role in preparing social enterprises for investment and connecting them with impact investors. Their portfolio highlights include numerous enterprises that have successfully scaled their solutions, impacting millions of lives globally. What makes Miller Center stand out is its deep commitment to a mentorship-driven model, its academic rigor as part of Santa Clara University, and its long-standing track record in fostering sustainable social change, emphasizing both financial viability and measurable social impact.