Training Social Entrepreneurs to Develop Sustainable Enterprises
Location:
UK
Background
From 2017 to 2019, Co-Catalyst partnered with Exeter City Futures, an initiative focused on supporting entrepreneurs in developing sustainable solutions to the city's challenges. These challenges included traffic congestion, sustainable energy needs, and promoting active transportation. Through the Exeter Velocities accelerator program, Co-Catalyst provided expertise in impact evaluation to help entrepreneurs develop comprehensive impact strategies.
Our approach
The Challenge
The main challenge was to train entrepreneurs in understanding and utilising impact language effectively, enabling them to develop comprehensive impact strategies and successfully apply them for impact investing opportunities.
Training & Education
Delivered hands-on workshops and educational sessions on impact measurement and strategy development, tailored to the specific needs of social entrepreneurs.
Provided personalised one-to-one mentoring to help participants refine their business models and align them with measurable impact goals.
Theory of Change Framework
Helped entrepreneurs create detailed theories of change, providing a clear roadmap to achieving their impact and sustainability goals.
Impact
Trained over 20 social entrepreneurs, such as Binit, a waste management startup, empowering them to secure funding through impact-driven pitches and strategies.
Equipped entrepreneurs with the knowledge to create actionable theories of change and design sustainable business models addressing local environmental and social issues.
Testimonials
“Stav worked on the Exeter City Futures Accelerator programme as our resident Impact and Evaluation expert. Her attention to detail, sector knowledge, and ability to translate impact language into practical terms made a significant difference for the entrepreneurs she worked with. She provided frameworks, facilitated workshops, and offered one-to-one support, helping participants further develop their business ideas.”
— Gosbert Chagula, Ecosystem Manager, Exeter City Futures, UK