Bridges to Business

Who hasn’t experienced fear, awkwardness, or confusion about proper etiquette during business networking and dining events? In this popular experiential workshop, participants enjoy a formal reception and five-course meal, with guidance from a seasoned etiquette expert, who teaches them to how to dine like a diplomat.

A select group of B2B passport holders commit to meet together over the Spring semester for leadership coaching and mentorship in a team building format. Monthly programs include workshops and guest speakers on topics such as ethics, personal branding, networking, design thinking, finance, social impact, and digital/tech literacy. Members have priority access to the Spring Break Business Bootcamp. Request application at b2b@soka.edu.

Participants spend Spring Break networking, meeting entrepreneurs, and visiting innovative companies to expand their skills, awareness and contacts in the business community. Locations and meet-ups are selected based on the interests and ambitions of the group.

B2B hosts Impactathon® by Innova8social, a fast-paced, social impact business pitch event open to students and alumni interested in creating market-based, impact-driven solutions that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Impactathon serves as a strong foundation for the other competition opportunities offered through B2B.

Through a unique partnership with the University of California Irvine’s Beall Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Soka students and alumni may attend 10-high level business workshops and participate in UCI’s New Venture Competition, where teams can win up to $20,000 in start-up funding. 

B2B supports teams to pitch at the Fowler GSIC, an international competition where students respond to an environmental or social challenge addressed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From inspiration to practical application, teams meet and network with changemakers from around the world, and gain tools, mentorship, and up to $60,000+ in seed funding.