Social Enterprise Incubation

Building a socially impactful organization doesn’t mean sacrificing your financial security. We help transform ideas into successful social enterprises that make a positive difference in your community and provide the financial stability necessary to sustain yourself and your impactful work.

This incubation program is a comprehensive capacity development program to help entrepreneurs and social change leaders explore wise business practices and approaches to generate consistent income while contributing to community development and environmental protection. We support participants in developing strategies and models that will increase the chances of success, growth, and long-term sustainability of their social entrepreneurial initiatives.

I loved the social enterprise incubation program. The facilitators and homework were very useful. It helped us get out of the non-profit mindset and feel more confident in our ideas. I really appreciated the level of support and availability of the facilitators. This program has given us confidence in the sustainability of our food innovation centre, its community impact, and our ability to run it!

Sophie Larsen

Food Innovation Center Manager, Community Connections Society of Southeast BC

Instructional workshops, self-paced online courses and group coaching

Our coaching and training, led by experts in the field, ensure you are more effective, unrestricted, and work in abundance. We help you get on your way towards financial freedom so you can spend your time doing what brings you the most fulfilment. Our programs help integrate social impact deeply into business strategies and leverage business tactics to advance and amplify your essential work of driving social change.

We feel very fortunate to be selected to work with these amazing people in this wonderful course. The program is very in touch with the actual management and organizational challenges of starting a Social Enterprise or not-for-profit society. The course gave lots of practical support to start this adventure! It was really helpful to work with people who are in similar situations, building amazing social enterprises. Also, working with the coaches who were already working in similar organizations was a great help.

Heart Works Society / Kootenay Computers

What you will achieve

Start and grow a social enterprise following a tested and validated curriculum. This program will guide you through creating a social impact strategy, business model, customer development plans, financial feasibility analysis, and a go-to-market strategy, culminating in a well-crafted social enterprise business plan or pitch deck.

Our coaches and instructors are skilled social entrepreneurs and non-profit executives with expertise in social innovation and entrepreneurship. They offer guidance, growth strategies, feedback, and industry insights to turn ideas into successful community development initiatives and enterprises. 

Joining the Impact Toolbox social enterprise incubation program was a turning point for our venture. The program was organized and insightful, giving us the tools we needed to grow. The mentorship was fantastic, and the skills we learned in financial management and strategic planning have been invaluable. Connecting with other social entrepreneurs was inspiring. We shared ideas, learned from each other, and celebrated our successes together. Thanks to Impact Toolbox, we feel more equipped and confident to continue our mission of delivering free period products to women’s doorsteps.

Gurnoor Chawla

Ichor

Create a social impact strategy
Develop a business model.
Develop a minimally viable product and find market fit
Understand business economics and drivers & create financial projections
Develop a social impact measurement plan
Develop a storytelling, brand, and marketing strategy
Develop a business plan or a pitch deck

How To Participate

Option 1: Personalized Program

Interested in exclusive and personalized social enterprise development support?

Let's talk

Option 2: Cohort-based Program

Our Spring and Summer cohorts for 2024 are full. Stay tuned for updates about the Fall cohorts.

Join the waiting list

I came to Impact Toolbox with a social enterprise idea that was like a sketch on a paper – has some potential but lacking a roadmap. The incubation program provided the structure and guidance I needed to turn that sketch into a blueprint. The program was well organized, with each module building upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Impact Toolbox didn't just throw information at us; they equipped us with practical skills. Learning to dissect social issues and analyze data effectively gave me the confidence to refine my venture's approach. But the most valuable takeaway for me was the network I built. The program fostered a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Sharing ideas and collaborating with other aspiring changemakers was truly inspiring. It gave me a sense of belonging and the knowledge that I wasn't alone on this journey.

Avaneendra Sathivada

Bizz Bridge

This cohort is for people based in the Okanagan with ideas/passion for social change. Applicants are expected to be in the early stage and may apply as a team. 

February to May, 2024

Learn more

This cohort is for non-profit and business leaders based in East Kootenay and the surrounding region who participated in the preceding round tables and pre-requisite course. 

March to May, 2024

Learn more

FAQs

  • For-profit businesses, non-profits, and charities that want to explore social entrepreneurship for revenue generation and diversification.
  • Individuals and organizations with an idea for a social enterprise or community development organization.
  • It is also suitable for college students and new graduates interested in starting a social enterprise, community development projects or non-profit organizations, and already existing small community service organizations willing to improve staff/volunteer capabilities.

The incubation program may last 8 weeks or 16 weeks, depending on whether workshops and coaching sessions are delivered weekly or biweekly. The program is quite flexible. 

Cohorts hosted directly by Impact Toolbox: We provide a cohort-based program for social change leaders, entrepreneurs, or non-profit teams. This allows for peer support, networking, and group coaching and support. We host three cohorts a year in the winter, summer, and fall.

Cohorts hosted by a partner: We also partner with funders, schools, people, and other organizations to deliver the incubation program to participants through onsite, synchronous, and asynchronous online training activities. The partner provides coaching support and determines cohort sizes and eligibility criteria. We provide train-the-trainer support to facilitators and all training materials, presentations, and worksheets. Partners may adapt the curriculum to their context and needs.

Individualized programs for organizations and leaders: We curate special and personalized programs for individuals and organizations who prefer not to join cohorts. This includes exclusive workshops, personalized coaching sessions, and technical skills support.

Yes! absolutely. Team members responsible for everyday operations and strategic organizational decisions are welcome to attend the coaching sessions.

Interested participants must submit an expression of interest through our website. We will evaluate all submissions and select only applicants that meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated a strong passion for social entrepreneurship or community development
  • Demonstrates readiness to develop their ideas into a community service organization or social enterprise by clearly articulating their ideas and aspirations
  • demonstrate that they will be available for all workshops and commit to the process

While we aim to work with at least 5 teams (10 to 15 participants) per cohort, the number of teams we admit is subject to the availability of funds and resources. This makes our selection process very competitive, and selection depends on the quality of your expression of interest and a careful evaluation of applicants’ aspirations for systemic and sustainable social change. If an applicant is not accepted into this program, they may consider two other options.

We are able to provide additional or ongoing support and workshops on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please reach out to us at hello@impacttoolbox.org