SMU Social Impact Catalyst’s Post

Social impact has always been important to Hatch Enterprise UK, our mission and partners. This week is Global Entrepreneurship Week and I am spending some of my time helping the team review grant applications. These applications are a fantastic way to learn about the amazing founders and the social impact that they are delivering. 83% of entrepreneurs who graduated from a Hatch programme last year were directly addressing one or more of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. For context, that's over 220 impact businesses!!! Read more about this in our latest Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/gYrK4VV2 Patrick Lavery joined a Hatch Launchpad in 2023, looking to create a social media platform with environmental impact. A place where environmental advocates could meet and discuss their views and ideas to support efforts to slow climate change. Whilst on the programme, Patrick pivoted his idea and is now the founder of Attlas, a climate loyalty programme rewarding customers with a free tree when they shop. #impact #climatechange

🎉 Thrilled to share that our article, "Environmental entrepreneurship orientation and duality of goals: The moderating roles of public and private knowledge", has been published in Business Strategy and the Environment! 🌿✨ I am deeply grateful to my amazing co-authors for their dedication and teamwork throughout this journey. A special thank you to the reviewers and editors for their invaluable feedback, which helped refine and strengthen our work. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dutEfDhD

𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠! We had a website just a few months after this photo was taken. I still remember my first sale; it was one hour after our website went live, and it was a pair of hemp bed linen cot sheets. Last week, when preparing to deliver a keynote for The Better Business Summit about NATURE Strategies in Business, I went looking for my previous business missions. I uncovered this photo of myself and collaborator Michelle and it just took my breath away. Two mums on a mission to get rid of crap, cheap baby products. I am still the same person, wanting to change the world, I just look a little different three decades later. The business was mine alone by the year 2000 and I wrote a mission that stayed with us for 18 years. “Cherish our Children, Cherish our Earth.” This simple but profound sentiment guided all our decisions, including fair trade and organic supply chains, customer service, safety, product choices and staff benefits. Two years earlier, in 1998, when we started Hubbub, the mission was simply connection and love for a healthy start in life. As I stand here in 2025, reflecting on my past businesses, I am entering the fifth year of my 5th venture; 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. I see how deeply connected it feels to all my previous ventures. Each business has carried within it a seed for the next, unfolding in ways I couldn’t predict. Though I never anticipated each chapter would eventually close to give rise to another, the journey has revealed an ongoing evolution. My lifelong vision has permanently been anchored in service to the collective, guided by the wisdom of nature to nurture thriving communities and ecosystems. I've just said this in different ways. 𝐌𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓? A world where business owners embrace their role as catalysts for regeneration, restoring balance between human and natural systems. A world of resilience, renewal, and thriving futures through more profound connections with nature and ourselves. My Mission in 2025 is to guide business owners in adopting the principles of regeneration for personal and business transformation. By reconnecting with nature and ourselves.

I don't know who needs to hear this...🌍 Pivoting in a Green Business: Because Even Plants Change Direction. Let’s be real—starting a green business is a lot like keeping a houseplant alive. You might think you’ve found the perfect spot, only to realize a month later it’s turning brown and crispy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pivot—try a sunnier spot, add water (or take it away!), and keep adapting. And guess what? It’s the same with your business. Changing direction doesn’t mean you’re a terrible “plant parent”—it means you’re learning. So embrace those pivots, keep growing, and remember: if your business looks like it’s wilting, it’s probably time to try a new angle. Follow me.for more advice on reaching the right audience for your green business. #GreenBusiness #AdaptAndThrive #PivotLikeAPlant

🌱 Still unsure about applying to our sustainability entrepreneurship programme, BIOSPHERE? Arkar, a master's graduate from Aalto University and one of our alumni, highly recommends it! For him, one of the biggest benefits was the support from mentors who come from a wide range of industries, including companies like Nokia, Nacar Design, INNOBOUND.EU, and many more. 🧑🌾 After the initial bootcamp phase of the programme, your team will be matched with 1-2 mentors tailored to your specific needs. They are here to guide you every step of the way, whether it’s refining your idea, scaling your business, or setting clear goals for personal and professional development. Sounds good? Take a look at the links in the comments to learn more and apply by February 9th! 🔗

VCs feel more threatened by other VCs than founders worry about other founders. It operates like a zero-sum game, it doesn't have to be. This makes life tough for emerging managers trying to get in, unless you apprentice at a big brand for a decade. Yet even then, you still don't learn all parts of the craft. As in any field, emerging managers learn only by diving in, and learn through trials and tribulations. But with a peer group, you can learn faster and make fewer mistakes. I joined Coolwater to connect with fellow emerging managers and tap into a brand LPs recognize. Learned more in 3 months at Coolwater than in 20 years of reading Fred Wilson. Wrote about my experience here: https://lnkd.in/gB5FFq3T Why Coolwater is great: * Helped 200+ new VC funds that are raising $3B+ * You tap into a 3,000+ top investors network * 8-week program with 300+ experts * Lots of different voices (25% women, 42% from diverse backgrounds) * People love it (83/100 NPS) Coolwater's not just a program; it's like a compass for funds that want to be institutional LP ready. They help you avoid rookie mistakes and build a strong brand with LPs. Considering becoming an emerging manager? Coolwater might be your next step. You can apply now for the next cohort. Have questions? Feel free to DM me. #VentureCapital #EmergingManagers #CoolwaterCapital Winter Mead Sean Chung Alexander K. Kiani, CPA David Teten

Ideas are the seeds of innovation, but without action, they remain just that—seeds, unwatered and awaiting the sunlight of execution. At times, we can find ourselves tangled in endless discussions and brainstorming sessions, dreaming up the next important thing without ever taking the first step towards bringing it to life. It’s easy to get comfortable in the ideation phase, but true growth happens when we break free from that inertia and transform our visions into reality. Embrace the journey of doing; it’s where learning, adaptation, and success lie. Don’t let your dreams remain dreams—take that leap and let your actions pave the way to your aspirations! 🌟 #ActionOverIdeas #DreamersToDoers #InnovationInMotion #Kakushin #MakeItHappen #StartupMindset

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 A few years ago, I felt an urge to create something meaningful, but I wasn’t sure where to start. One day, I came across a quote that struck a chord: “If you can dream it, you can launch it.” It resonated with me, and I realized that my aspirations were not just fantasies—they could be my reality. With this newfound mindset, I began to explore my passion for sustainable technology. I dedicated evenings and weekends to research, sketching ideas, and building a business plan. There were challenges—self-doubt, funding obstacles, and the fear of failure—but I embraced each hurdle as a learning opportunity. After months of hard work, my team and I finally launched our first product. The excitement of seeing our idea come to life was exhilarating. Feedback from customers confirmed that we were on the right track, and our vision was making a difference. This journey taught me that dreams require action. It's not just about envisioning what could be; it's about taking the necessary steps to bring that vision to fruition. I now strive to inspire others to pursue their dreams, reminding them that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. So, if you have a dream, don’t hesitate. Take that leap. If you can dream it, you can launch it. Let’s turn our aspirations into reality together! #ebizsify #entrepreneurlife #believeandachieve #dreambig

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of THE IDEAL LIFE. This venture is deeply personal. After two decades of working closely with leaders, I kept seeing a pattern: most approach their businesses with intention, clarity, and effort but rarely bring that same focus to their personal lives. They keep pushing forward, postponing the life they really want—until something feels off. It’s not about lacking choices or opportunities. It’s about making a decision to live the life they once imagined—now, not someday. Yet for many high achievers, knowing where to start isn’t simple. They’re so focused on their business success, assuming it will eventually lead to personal fulfillment. But they overlook the opportunity to design their personal lives with the same intention. This awareness shaped my work over the last few years — helping leaders align their personal and professional paths. Through my journey, I met Eliot Wajskol, who shares the same passion and created The Ideal Life Way— a structured program that helps leaders rethink what’s possible, reconnect with what matters most, and live in alignment with their values. I went through his program last Fall and found exactly what I’d been looking for—a framework to align across all dimensions, along with the tools and resources to help me create lasting results. I believe in this approach so deeply that I am honored to join Eliot in this venture as co-founder of The Ideal Life. Our mission is simple: helping leaders not only envision the life they want but also have the structure and support to make it happen. Our approach is straightforward: rooted in clarity, intentionality, and consistency. We’ve got some exciting announcements coming soon for programs and events. Stay tuned, visit our website to learn more, and reach out — I’d love to hear from you.

🌍 Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and the planet? 🌱 Do you have innovative ideas that could lead to a sustainable future? 🌿 The CAGE Project - "Circular Academy for Green Entrepreneurship" is your platform to turn those ideas into reality. 🔍 What is the CAGE Project? The CAGE Project is an exciting initiative designed to cultivate a culture of creativity and environmental consciousness among youth. Through interactive workshops, mentoring, and collaborative projects, we aim to empower you to create environmentally friendly business concepts that can bring about positive changes in your communities. 🤔 Why Get Involved? 💪 Empowerment and Responsibility: Develop a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the planet. 💡 Innovation and Creativity: Engage in activities that encourage you to think creatively about solving environmental challenges. 📚 Skill Development: Enhance your digital literacy and prepare for the contemporary job landscape with skills that are essential for sustainable growth. 🤝 Mentorship and Collaboration: Work alongside experienced mentors and like-minded peers to bring your ideas to life. 🌟 Real-World Impact: Formulate and implement business concepts that have the potential to transform your community and beyond. 🚀 What Will You Gain? 🏆 Leadership Skills: Learn how to spearhead green innovations and lead projects that matter. 🧠 Practical Knowledge: Stay abreast of technological advancements and market demands to ensure your ideas are both relevant and practical. 🌐 Community and Network: Be part of a community that values sustainability, creativity, and entrepreneurship. 📣 How to Get Involved? 📘 Participate in the Massive Course: Designed to educate and spark your creativity and environmental awareness. 👩🏫 Join Mentoring Programs: Benefit from personalized guidance from experts who will help you refine and implement your ideas. 🔗 Collaborate on Projects: Work with peers on projects that aim to bring about positive environmental change. 🌍 By joining the CAGE Project, you will not only prepare yourself for future vocations but also play a crucial role in fostering sustainable practices and responsible entrepreneurship. Your participation and the successful endeavors that emerge will inspire others and extend our influence, creating a ripple effect of positive change. 🚀 Take Action Now! Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real difference. Sign up today to join the CAGE Project and start your journey towards becoming a leader in environmental stewardship and innovation. 🤝 Together, we can build a sustainable future. 🌟 Join us now and be the change you wish to see in the world! 🌟 Sent an email now to register to our future activities! Email: office@cnpcd.ro