1 | Problem Statement

Laptop showing Impact Business Model Canvas Template with section highlighted

Problem Statement highlighted on the canvas

What is the problem you have identified?

Professor Sarah Soule explains the goal of the problem statement block, and poses questions for you to consider as you think through strategic options for your venture.  She will discuss the example of Equal Opportunity Schools, a national nonprofit organization with both earned income and philanthropic support. (1:52)
For-Profit Example

d.light

Problem statement: Over two billion people in the world lack reliable access to electricity

d.light sells solar energy solutions to populations without electricity in 60+ nations. See project description and its Impact BMC

Nonprofit Example

Equal Opportunity Schools

Problem statement: In the US, at least 640K low-income and minority students miss out on AP/IB courses every year, which negatively impacts their likelihood of going to college.

Equal Opportunity Schools helps minority and low-income high school students succeed in AP and IB courses. See project description and its Impact BMC

Download the blank template
See examples of Impact BMC's