We help transform ideas into successful social enterprises

This incubation program is a comprehensive capacity development to help entrepreneurs and social change leaders explore wise business practices and approaches to generate consistent revenue while contributing to community development and environmental protection.

We help participants develop strategies and models that will increase the chances of success, growth, and long-term sustainability of their social entrepreneurial initiatives.

The program empowers Entrepreneurs and Social Change Makers through

Instructional workshops, self-paced online courses and group coaching

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

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

Alumni Testimonies

How to participate

Option 1: Personalized Program

Interested in exclusive and personalized social enterprise development support?

Option 2: Cohort-based Program

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

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

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

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 10 participants or teams 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 

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