Chester County United Way was proud to sponsor the Social Impact Initiative category at the inaugural LionCage Pitch Competition held on November 8, 2024. LionCage, a new event developed by Invent Penn State LaunchBox programs at Brandywine and Great Valley and the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), brought together 30 teams of visionaries and entrepreneurs to share their business and community ideas before a panel of judges and an audience of more than 150 attendees.
Chester County United Way’s sponsorship of the Social Impact Initiative category reflects their commitment to empowering nonprofits and social entrepreneurs who are creating solutions to pressing community challenges.
The Community Grocer received First Place in the Social Impact Initiative category and went on to earn the $10,000 Best in Show Award. This groundbreaking nonprofit is reinventing nutritional assistance and making it easier for all community members, including SNAP recipients, to access hot, healthy meals. Honorable Mention for Social Impact went to BāKIT Box, a culturally inspired baking kit company that empowers families to explore global cultures through recipes, hands-on STEM activities, and educational resources.
“Chester County United Way is committed to empowering social innovators who are driving meaningful change,” said Kelly Cockshaw, Director of Leadership & Innovation at Chester County United Way. “The LionCage competition highlights the power of collaboration and innovation to tackle community challenges, creating valuable opportunities for social entrepreneurs to gain visibility and access to resources that support their missions.”
This event emphasizes Chester County United Way’s ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships and championing initiatives that offer sustainable, community-focused solutions. For more information on Chester County United Way’s Social Innovation Initiatives and community involvement, visit www.ChescoUnitedWay.org.