SEM Consultants

Polk Institute Foundation

Architects of Economic Freedom.

We help social entrepreneurs find financial freedom and create a positive legacy for future generations — through rigorous training rooted in the Triple Bottom Line.

The Triple Bottom Line

A discipline that measures success by total contribution to society — not profit alone.

People

Equity, dignity, and community wealth-building sit at the center of every venture we incubate.

Planet

Environmental stewardship is a non-negotiable foundation, not a marketing afterthought.

Profit

Sustainable impact requires fiscal discipline. We teach the rigor of business with the soul of mission.

Real World Skills

Our workshops are facilitated by seasoned, real-world practitioners with hands-on experience and a proven history of success at scale. We are nimble, vigilantly observing market conditions and trends to keep our content and presentation timely, prescient, and accessible.

Pi Program

Two pathways for every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

02

Pi Program

Existing businesses scale impact through workshops, pitch coaching, and 1-on-1 mentoring from practitioner-driven faculty.

Incubator Cohort

Xcelerator Cohort

04

Silver Tsunami Program

A dedicated exit-strategy track for Baby Boomer business owners preparing to transition leadership, sell, or retire while preserving their legacy.

Grow with Those Who Know

Our workshops are facilitated by seasoned, real-world practitioners with hands-on experience and a proven history of success at scale. We are nimble, vigilantly observing market conditions and trends to keep our content and presentation timely, prescient, and accessible.

Our mentors, with their wealth of experience and knowledge, provide invaluable insights into the intricacies of the business world. They guide budding entrepreneurs through the challenges of starting and running a business, helping them avoid common pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities. Mentors offer constructive feedback, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. Their networks open doors to new business relationships and collaborations accelerating the growth and contributing to the sustainability and innovation of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Event Calendar

Discover What’s Happening at PI

Women’s Pitch Event – Recap

We are very excited this year to have a new location (AltaSea), a new sponsor for this event (Beneficial State ...

All Comers Pitch Competition & Equity Crowdfunding Seminar

We are very excited this year to have a new location (AltaSea), a new sponsor for this event (Beneficial State ...

Tall Ship Harbor Cruise Fundraiser & Silent Action

We are very excited this year to have a new location (AltaSea), a new sponsor for this event (Beneficial State ...

A Recognized Discipline

What is Social Entrepreneurship?

A business model that combines the disciplines of market capitalism with innovative approaches to solving societal problems.

Social entrepreneurs hold both a passion for business and the compassion to make a positive impact. They build for the Triple Bottom Line — and we exist to help them succeed.

MID-JULY COHORT SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight of the Month

Each month we feature a founder or team that has succeeded in our cohorts.
"Pi didn't just teach me how to scale. They taught me how to scale without losing the people I started this for."
A licensed insurance broker turned social entrepreneur, Karla built Policy Star to make financial protection accessible to underserved small businesses. Through the Pi Xcelerator she rebuilt her growth model around the Triple Bottom Line — and tripled her client base within twelve months.

Karla Daniels

Policy Star Insurance

PI Highlights

Spotlights

Servando Orozco

Success is rarely shaped by knowledge alone. While a well-designed curriculum provides the technical foundation, it is mentorship that transforms […]
READ →
Spotlights

From cohort to community.

Success is rarely shaped by knowledge alone. While a well-designed curriculum provides the technical foundation, it is mentorship that transforms […]
READ →
1 2 3 5

Words of Impact

What our community is saying.

This program has gifted me with the clarity and guidance I needed to form a successful business.
Sydney Burger
Dharana
I have gained a valuable network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors who can offer guidance and support along the way.
Michael S. Oden
Final Step International
Through these programs I learned hard and soft skills that have given me the knowledge and confidence to commit to and scale my business.
Stacey Okutake
Mas & Nobu
I have learned multiple ways of accessing capital, obtaining contracts, and reengaging energy and emotional intelligence.
Tanesha Harvey Harvey Egans
Harvey Egans Insurance Agency
The Polk Institute has allowed me to aspire and work strategically.
Chris Trammell
Coaching & Training
They are providing us access to proven entrepreneurial tools to ethically grow and scale our businesses in a sustainable way.
Karla Daniels
Policy Star Insurance Solutions

Testimonies

Founders Who've Walked the PI Journey

Armin A.

ARTO Brick

Erin T.

The S Word Project

Erin Beck

Wanna Family Network

Invest in the next generation of conscious founders.

We believe in the power of business to bring about positive change in the world, and we need your support to make this vision a reality. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business leader, or simply someone who believes in our cause, there are numerous ways to get involved. Donate, volunteer, or become a mentor today, and together, let's create a business landscape that is not only profitable, but also ethical, sustainable, and beneficial for all.

Join us in our mission to shape the future of business leadership.

Stay Connected

Join the Pi community.

Get the latest articles, event invites, and cohort updates delivered to your inbox.


Scroll to Top