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We are excited to announce the official launch of the Forward•Inc 2023 Impact Report! 🚀 In 2023, the number of refugees worldwide reached 110.3 million, and this number is, unfortunately, expected to rise in 2024. With the ongoing political shifts and numerous active conflicts around the world, forcibly displaced people will continue to seek ways to rebuild viable lives for themselves and their families. This is where entrepreneurship can be a game-changer. Forward Alumni have launched 162 businesses that have raised almost 5 Million EUR in Startup Capital, providing employment to 220 people. 87% of Startups from our network are still operating after 2 years. These and other incredible figures showcasing the impact of the Forward·Inc Community, can now all be found in our 2023 Impact Report. 👉 Click the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gpEPzvvB Inspired to Act. Driven to Impact 💫 #impactreport #inspiredtoact #newcomers

Education is so important

I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the Project Makers Accelerate program as a one of their Social Impact Mentors! 🌟 Project Makers is dedicated to cultivating and investing in entrepreneurs from Puerto Rico, providing education, resources, technology, capital, and mentorship. Their programs offer direct community support and houses the first social impact business accelerator in the island. With more than a decade of experience in social impact, particularly in environmental stewardship and community development, I am excited to bring my expertise to support the incredible entrepreneurs in this program. Originating from the economic development pillar of Vimenti by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Project Makers is committed to eradicating child poverty on our island. This ambitious mission drives them to seek out and support entrepreneurs and projects aligned with our goals, helping to move the needle on poverty reduction. Through, the "Project Makers: Social Impact" Accelerate program, we will focus on scaling both business success and social impact. I am excited to contribute to this incredible mission and work alongside inspiring entrepreneurs dedicated to making a difference. During the 4-month Accelerate phase, Project Makers provides comprehensive support to social entrepreneurs to help them scale and expand their businesses through education, mentorship, personalized technical assistance, and access to capital. Participants will benefit from group educational sessions and individual mentorship and technical assistance sessions. In this cohort, 15 companies will have the opportunity to receive up to $50,000 in investment through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 1. No Poverty 2. Good Health and Well-Being 3. Quality Education 4. Decent Work and Economic Growth 5. Reduced Inequalities 6. Sustainable Cities and Communities At the end of the program, a “Showcase” event will be held where companies can present their progress to the community and potential investors. I am excited to contribute to this incredible mission and work alongside inspiring entrepreneurs dedicated to making a difference. #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #PuertoRico #ProjectMakers #Mentorship #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

Application is now open for the 2024 Springboard Elevate Programme Deadline 15 August 2024 The Springboard Elevate Programme is a 3-month fellowship programme that supports purpose-driven social entrepreneurs who lead impact projects that improve the lives of under-represented communities. The programme aims to craft a space for young social entrepreneurs representing or working with under-represented communities to enhance their leadership, storytelling, resource mobilisation skills for venture development. They are looking for courageous young founders who are driving change and creating impact in local communities to be part of this vibrant cohort. You will be supported by a network of young founders, entrepreneurship support organizations, and UN agencies to amplify your impact further. What will you gain from joining the programme? >>Business Insights and Skills Development >>Invitation to Join Springboard PLUS 2025 >>Access Opportunities >>Media Exposure: Gain opportunities for your work and success stories to be featured on social media and other platforms >>Community support >>Crowdfunding Coaching Support & Access Capital Eligibility Criteria >>At least one founder/s are aged 18-35 (within their respective national definition of Youth); >>The applicant is from underrepresented community in their country, OR their project works with /serves marginalized communities (including but not limited to rural population, women, persons with disabilities, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons, minorities, Indigenous Peoples, migrants and refugees) >>The youth founder is a citizen of one of the following countries: Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Hong Kong SAR, Iran, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Japan, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Nepal, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, The Philippines, Viet Nam >>The project operates in one of the mentioned countries The project is at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage >>Demonstrates commitment and dedication to addressing the challenges faced by marginalised communities Non-profit and for-profit organizations are welcomed to apply. https://lnkd.in/g-JtEk2r

𝗘𝗱-𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀—𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸! 1️⃣ Detroit Regional Chamber 2025 NeighborHUB Grant Program: A partnership between General Motors and the Detroit Regional Chamber, this program funds nonprofits and small businesses making a difference in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck neighborhoods. Applications close on November 8, 2024. 2️⃣ D-Prize Challenge 2025 for Social Entrepreneurs: Want to launch a social impact organization? D-Prize offers up to $20,000 to support ventures in low-to-middle-income countries. Apply by November 3, 2024 to bring solutions to communities in need. 3️⃣ Black Girl Ventures 2024 BGV Pitch Program: Founders in LA, Austin, Chicago, and NYC, this is your chance to pitch your business with up to $15K in funding. No pitch experience needed! Applications close soon—first deadline is November 6, 2024 for Los Angeles. 4️⃣ City of Chicago Community Development Grant: Small businesses can receive up to $250,000 in funding for construction or rehabilitation projects. Applications close November 8, 2024—a great opportunity to boost your business! 5️⃣ Grow-NY Food & Ag Summit 2024: Join top food and agriculture startups as they pitch for a chance to win up to $1 million! This hybrid event runs November 6-7 in Ithaca, NY and includes a world-class symposium, expo, and more. Use code BOAWOMEN10 for $10 off in-person tickets. 💡 Stay informed of weekly updates and opportunities! #4pt0 #InnovationInEducation #SocialImpact #GrantsAndFunding #Entrepreneurship #PitchPrograms #CommunityDevelopment

💯 𝐓𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘: One Young World (OYW) 's Impact Report 2023 is here!!! 📍OYW strives to identify the most impactful young leaders around the world. 📍 Key Highlights : 🔻 8.86 million people directly impacted by Ambassador-led projects  🔻 50.42 million people have been directly impacted by Ambassador-led projects since 2010 🔻 $2.62 billion social value generated by Ambassador-led projects 🔻 1:16 social return on investment of Ambassador-led projects 👉 Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/gsGvtDzk  📍 I'm one of the ambassadors at One Young World and a co-founder of DreamSpace Academy - a non-profit social enterprise empowering underserved communities to achieve SDG through education, innovation and entrepreneurship. ☝️ Follow me for updates on empowerment initiatives around the world !!! #OYW #education #innovation #entrepreneurship #sustainability

💡 Discover with me the inspiring work of DreamSpace Academy in Sri Lanka, which opens up new opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the east of the country, that has been severely affected by the civil war. 💡DreamSpace focuses on a unique combination of education, innovation and entrepreneurship to create local jobs, initiatives and start-ups. This not only generates new income opportunities for the local population, but also actively tackles social and environmental problems. 💡Watch me and DreamSpace Co-Founder Kishoth Navaretnarajah talk about the challenges facing the region after the civil war and how the organisation is working to revolutionise an outdated, colonial education system and empower young people to reach their full potential. 💡At knodel foundation, we support the organisation with a multi-year-grant, hoping to help them grow in order to empower people & planet. 💡You can find the link to the full video in the comments. #sinnfluencer #bildung #bildungssystem #lernen #srilanka #southasia #education #challengebasedlearning #skills #skillsforlife #zukunftgestalten #zukunftsfähigkeit #futureskills #zukunftsgestaltung #steam #steameducation #entrepreneurship #unternehmertum #startups #socialentrepreneurship #socialenterprise #socialentrepreneurs #stiftung #socialimpact #innovation #creativity #bildungschancen #sdgs #nachhaltigkeit #sustainability #changemakers #chancemaker #empowerment

🌍 Each year, we celebrate Youth Day on August 12, aligning our efforts with the United Nations' commitment to empowering young people. In honor of this year's Youth Day, we proudly spotlight our ExcellEnt Project—Excellency in Entrepreneurship: Expanding European entrepreneurship by boosting youth (self) employability and fostering a culture of shared resources. 🎓💼 The EU-funded ExcellEnt Project directly supports the UN's mission by exploring innovative methods to capture, preserve, create, organize, and communicate unstructured entrepreneurial experiences, stories, and narratives. 📚✨ These shared resources are designed to empower young people, helping them to enhance their entrepreneurial journeys and contribute to sustainable development. 🌱🚀 Focusing on this year's challenge, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," ExcellEnt aligns with the UN’s goals by investigating how individuals and institutions can find inspiration in new ways of conceptualizing and promoting entrepreneurship. 🌐👩💻👨💻 This theme highlights the intersection of youth, digital innovation, and sustainable development, emphasizing the crucial role young people play in using digital technologies to drive sustainable progress. 📱💪 The project also explores how these innovative approaches can be integrated into everyday practices, policies, and the foundations of a shared European future, contributing to the broader global vision of youth empowerment and sustainable growth. 🌍🤝🌟 Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED) GATE Institute Booster Labs Creative Valley Sabanci University TechUkraine

🌟 This #GivingTuesday, Be the Spark for Innovators Everywhere! 🌟 Did you know entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses? It’s about transforming lives, creating jobs, and fueling entire communities. Yet, far too many talented innovators face overwhelming barriers—lack of funding, resources, and access—to launch and grow their ideas. At Entrepreneurship For Everyone (EFE), we believe entrepreneurship knows no boundaries. That’s why we’re dedicated to empowering diverse founders, fostering inclusion, and building an ecosystem where every dream has the chance to thrive. This #GivingTuesday, join us in making a difference: ✨ Help underestimated entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. ✨ Support workforce development and drive economic prosperity. ✨ Build a future where entrepreneurship is for everyone, everywhere. 💡 Your donation will: ✅ Provide essential tools and training to early-stage entrepreneurs. ✅ Expand access to vital networks and resources. ✅ Empower innovators to overcome obstacles and create lasting impact. Together, we can unlock untapped potential and inspire innovation that benefits us all. 🌍 💚 Donate now and help us shape a future where everyone has the chance to succeed: https://lnkd.in/gVrpuEVE #EntrepreneurshipForEveryone #GivingTuesday #EconomicDevelopment #SupportInnovation #UnlockEntrepreneurship

We are thrilled to help drive innovation, support women-led startup growth, and encourage women entrepreneurship in Central America and Ecuador! Techstars was selected by IDB Lab, the entrepreneurial innovation arm of the Inter-American Development Bank Group, to implement a comprehensive program, powered by #WeXchange and supported by Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), aiming to create a pathway for women founders to progress through their entrepreneurial journey. Programming will span 2024 and 2025, and will include: 👉 2 virtual Founder Catalyst programs: 10-week pre-accelerator program that will provide early-stage STEM-based female founders access to valuable startup education, mentorship, community building, and Techstars’ network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners. 👉 6 Startup Weekends in Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. During these three-day in-person events, women looking for an immersive foray into the world of startups will have the chance to access local community mentors, investors, co-founders, and partners to help them get started on their entrepreneurial journey. 👉Ecosystem Development Lab in Tegucigalpa, Honduras: Local community leaders and stakeholders will learn key methodologies and foster the region’s unique startup ecosystem, with a focus on empowering female entrepreneurship Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gX6YtdkJ #WomenFounders #LatinAmerica #STEM #Entrepreneurship