The social entrepreneurship sector has grown in Switzerland in recent years. The idea to solve a social or ecological challenge with an entrepreneurial approach has become more and more popular.
However, despite this trend, social entrepreneurship is still not supported or promoted enough and doesn’t receive as much public attention. One reason for explaining this lack of support is the fact that there are not yet any accelerator programs for startups that focus on strengthening the positive social impact of their business model. Existing accelerator programs always aim to maximize financial profits. As a result, cooperatives, associations and other forms of business without financial profit distribution become excluded.
The newly launched Social Impact Accelerator (SIA) addresses this issue, filling a gap in the Swiss startup ecosystem: the first Swiss accelerator program with a focus on impact supports startups in a 12-week program with various networking events and several accelerator training days on relevant topics.
SIA focuses on the specific challenges and issues of social entrepreneurs. At the end of the program, a Social Impact Pitch Day is held where the startups present their impact-oriented business ideas to interested investors, philanthropists and partners.
Are you part of a social impact startup from Switzerland and do you contribute with your business model to achieve the SDGs with innovative solutions? The call is now open until 4 April! Apply HERE!
The program itself will take place from April 29 to July 15.
The Social Impact Accelerator is a joint project of SENS and SEIF and is supported by Engagement Migros and Stiftung Mercator Schweiz.