# StartingBloc’s Pepsi Refresh Challenge 2010 – VIDEO

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/02/startingbloc-pepsi-refresh-challenge-for-change-video/
- Published: 2011-02-18T23:55:00-05:00
- Author: greenguruguides

## StartingBloc’s Mission to Empower Young Leaders

StartingBloc is making a difference by supporting young social innovators who want
to change the world. Through its Fellowship program, the organization brings together
talented, motivated people who share one goal: building a more sustainable and just
society.

StartingBloc believes leadership isn’t just about business success. It’s about using
your skills to create social impact. That’s why they focus on training leaders who
can think creatively, collaborate across sectors, and drive real change in their
communities.

### Backed by the Pepsi Refresh Challenge

In 2010, StartingBloc took part in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. This program awarded
funding to organizations with ideas that could improve communities. Unlike traditional
grants, the Pepsi Refresh Challenge let the public vote for the most promising proposals.

StartingBloc’s project aimed to make their Fellowship program more accessible. They
wanted to remove financial barriers that often keep passionate young people from
participating. Many emerging leaders have great ideas but lack the resources to 
attend training programs or connect with mentors.

By winning support through the Pepsi Refresh Challenge, StartingBloc could [expand scholarships](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/green-job-career-guide-paving-the-way-to-a-sustainable-future/)
and reduce costs for participants. Moreover, this approach ensured that their program
stayed open to a diverse group of future leaders, not just those who could afford
it.

### Developing Future Social Innovators

The StartingBloc Fellowship is about more than classroom learning. Fellows attend
immersive institutes where they explore sustainability, entrepreneurship, and social
innovation. They learn practical tools for creating change, from business modeling
to stakeholder engagement.

Additionally, participants join a global network of peers and mentors who share 
their commitment to impact. This network helps them refine ideas, find collaborators,
and stay motivated long after the program ends.

Many Fellows go on to launch startups, lead nonprofit organizations, or champion
sustainability initiatives within established companies. Their work tackles challenges
like clean energy, poverty reduction, education, and health.

![Infographic with sections explaining StartingBloc’s support for social innovators,
its Pepsi Refresh Challenge funding, developing future changemakers, and investing
in a better future.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/
02/3A18C6B0-80AA-40FC-9E4D-1C0E18944266.png?resize=1024%2C1536&quality=50&ssl=1)

StartingBloc empowers young leaders to drive sustainable social change through mentorship,
training, and access to networks.

### StartingBloc : Investing in a Better Future

Programs like StartingBloc show how investing in people can deliver real change.
By removing barriers for talented, driven individuals, they unlock creative solutions
to big challenges.

Moreover, these investments have ripple effects. Fellows take their skills back 
to their communities, inspiring others and spreading new ideas. This kind of leadership
development helps build a more equitable, sustainable future for everyone.

StartingBloc’s success with the Pepsi Refresh Challenge demonstrates the power of
community-driven support. When people come together to back meaningful projects,
they help create opportunities for the next generation of change-makers.

### Sources

✅ Outside Sources

 1. [StartingBloc Official Website](https://startingbloc.org/)
 2. [Pepsi Refresh Project Overview – The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/business/media/08pepsi.html)
 3. Stanford Social Innovation Review: Leadership Development for Social Change

✅ Inside Links (GreenLivingGuy.com)

 1. [Green Living Guy: Green Business and Innovation](https://greenlivingguy.com/category/green-business/)
 2. Green Living Guy: Sustainability and Social Impact Stories