: An official event and lecture series, promoting entrepreneurship, financial literacy and philanthropy for entrepreneurs and professionals.Invest In Yourself: Get educated and motivated through dynamic speakers, and connected with valuable networking opportunities!
Invest In Your Community: 100% of all ticket sales are donated to non-profits.
HOW CATALYST BEGAN
In the summer of 2006, the first conception of Catalyst was born through meetings and lectures organized by Chrissy Deferville and Kristin Brown. Chrissy and Kristin envisioned an investment group fueled by inspiring, experienced achievers. The Santa Barbara Young Professionals Club took note of the concept, and suggested holding and expanding the meetings under the umbrella of the SBYPC organization. After several successful events under the brand Big Think, Chrissy began to explore the establishment of a self-sufficient entity to continue and grow the concept. Chrissy turned to new friend and soon to be colleague, Jacques Habra, for guidance on the structure and formation of such an entity. During the ensuing weeks, local financial advisors Brian Wee and Andrew Long contributed to the financial and market positioning to complete the formation of the entity. Several weeks later, in March of 2008, Catalyst held its first formal meeting with the entire group composed of twelve talented team members from various disciplines, each with an entrepreneurial passion.
THE CATALYST PURPOSE
Catalyst seeks to unlock the entrepreneur in each of us. The well-educated and informed entrepreneur possesses the greatest concentration of energy, and ability to promote change. Catalyst events are designed to inform, educate, and inspire. Simply put, we sponsor lectures led by dynamic, successful speakers who share their entrepreneurial insights. What differentiates Catalyst further, is that each dollar of an event ticket is donated to a non-profit partner. We believe in supporting those organizations that make a measurable difference in our community. From this core vision, we formed our tag-line: "Invest in yourself, Invest in your community."
OBJECTIVES
- Bring together, and foster, a community of entrepreneurs and professionals.
- Promote entrepreneurship and ethical business practices, as a way to improve the individual, and the community.
- Motivate the individual to act on ideas.
- Equip the entrepreneur with the resources and contacts to be successful.
- Raise awareness about the current needs in the community, and extend financial support to benefiting non-profits.
VISION
Advance the community, by motivating individuals to create, develop and act on his or her entrepreneurial ideas.
THE PROBLEM - TAKE OWNERSHIP
Today's culture is one of instant gratification and immediacy. Much of this culture breeds attitudes of entitlement. In the real world, individuals who are successful, take action, and take ownership of their lives. Our goal is to create an environment for individuals to come together who genuinely want to improve their life circumstance. Individuals who take the first step to attend Catalyst events can expect a professional culture of accountability and quality.
THE SOLUTION - TEMET NOSCE
Temet Nosce is Latin for "know yourself." Catalyst believes knowing one's capacity, strengths, and weaknesses is the first step in any professional business plan. Rather than wait for others to provide direction and insight on what to do next, the Catalyst philosophy focuses on educating and motivating the individual to act. Through individual transformation and self-awareness, the community benefits.
OPERATING A CATALYST
Catalyst operates as an organic, democratic entity led by team captains who have complete ownership in their area of expertise. We operate as a non-profit with for profit values and processes. Our company expectations are high, and we function with the singular purpose to enable our team to put on effective, valuable lectures that generate individual insight and community awareness.
Catalyst for Thought is a non-profit, public benefit corporation, with 501 (c)(3) status.
100% of event ticket sales are donated to different benefiting non-profits. Private donors and corporate supporters generously provide event, administrative, and production costs.
