As an impact entrepreneur, you are the lifeblood of the social enterprise movement. Our two-fold objective is:
1. Illuminate your path through the entrepreneurial journey – from inspiration to ideation to incubation.
2. Eliminate whatever barriers are in your way so that ANYONE can make a positive impact for people and planet.
The NorthSTAR (Systems To Access Resources) Collaborative creates a “no wrong door” approach where all, regardless of background or experience, can make significant progress along their entrepreneurial journeys.
From side hustles growing into full-time businesses, to small businesses wanting to scale, to someone who has never considered entrepreneurship an option–and everything in between–we can illuminate a pathway that fits your needs.
2-DAY WORKSHOP
The Spark Impact program is a dynamic program designed to cultivate entrepreneurs’ creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and business acumen, providing them with the essential tools to turn their groundbreaking ideas into successful ventures.Upon completing the program, you will:
DAY 2
Sketch a Plan – Create a simplified version of your idea and turn it into actionable steps towards a successful and validated product.
Designed for early-stage businesses who want to develop their social impact ideas, test assumptions, and prepare for incubation, this guided 12-week program equips entrepreneurs with the tools and concepts they need to navigate the nuance and strategy of social enterprise.
Upon completing the program, you will:
Successfully taking your social impact startup from the idea and pre-seed stages into the launch and growth stages is a team effort. Our 6-month Social Innovation Incubator helps entrepreneurs develop scalable, sustainable ventures intended to address our world’s biggest challenges – emphasizing health equity and climate action – while supporting founders as an entrepreneur AND as an individual.
Throughout the incubation process, you will gain:
Intellectual Capital | Evidence-based best practices for starting and growing impact- and investment-ready businesses.
Social Capital | Leverage a robust social enterprise ecosystem supported by industry experts/advisors.
Financial Capital | Eliminate financial barriers for early-stage startups (especially for under-represented communities) to access non-dilutive capital necessary to launch.
Incubated companies focus on climate innovations emphasizing adaptation and resilience to the effects of climate change. We then support early-stage, climate-focused entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship, funding, and a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, helping build sustainable, scalable businesses.
We are actively growing our network of industry experts and professionals who mentor and advise our incubated companies.