Social Impact Incubator: developing sustainable consumption in Romania through Swiss know-how transfer

We have consulted 4 environmental organizations in order to raise awareness among target groups about the need for innovative approaches to educate and facilitate sustainable consumption in Romania. 21 respondents participated in a survey targeting environmental and community organizations. We have informed more than 110,000 people through the survey’s infographic, while 40 institutions have received the report and information on the survey’s methodology. We have also launched the “Impact Factory”” programme in order to identify and develop new innovative entrepreneurial solutions in the field of sustainable consumption. Over 100 ideas have been generated during the workshops, of which 63 ideas have been enrolled in the programme. In the end, 8 ideas have been selected to continue in the subsequent stages of business planning and market readiness. The entrepreneurs have visited Impact Hub Zürich, the Swiss partner, where they have met with mentors and local impact entrepreneurs and gained new perspectives for their businesses. As a result of this incubation process, 4 entrepreneurs have been able to test and launch services / products in the field of environmental education or sustainable consumption, from which more than 800 people have benefited.
The experience exchange meetings with the Swiss partner generated 2 new strategic concepts, a new incubation programme model and membership packages. As a result of these new strategies, we have increased the association’s organizational capacity to support green and innovative entrepreneurial initiatives through mentorship and by facilitating their access to investors.

Executive AgencyRopot AssociationPartnersImpact Hub ZurichContract NumberCSM 24ComponentEnvironmentCountyBucharestImplementation areaNationalThematic areaSustainable ConsumptionImplementation period15.03.2016-31.05.2017Budget of the project (CHF)81,295Swiss Contribution (CHF)73,117Project websitewww.impactfactory.roExecutive Agency websiteN/A