In 2023-2024, our Impact Makers—entrepreneurs, members, partners, funders, and allies—came together to drive the regenerative economy. Through strategic collaboration, we’ve scaled solutions that deliver measurable impact for both people and the planet.
The Impact Hub Network not only provides a platform but also a range of change-making services, enabling partners to engage with enterprises that prioritise sustainability, equity, and long-term value. Together, we demonstrate that purpose-driven growth creates new opportunities and redefines success.
This report highlights global insights and stories from across our network. As we work towards supporting 100 million Impact Makers by 2030, we invite passionate individuals, entrepreneurial support organisations, and public, private, or civic sector entities to join us in this mission.
The time is now. The way is together.
In 2023-24
Impact Makers worldwide united to make a difference.
GLOBAL IMPACT INSIGHTS
Impact Hubs are setting the standard for the business of the future
Across Impact Hubs, impact-driven enterprises are at the forefront of the global shift towards the business of the future. By placing impact at the core of their operations, these enterprises are not only contributing to social and environmental progress but are also reshaping the future of business.
Their success demonstrates that aligning profit with purpose is not just an ethical choice but a competitive advantage in today’s evolving markets. This movement is gaining momentum, especially within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and through sustainable procurement practices and ecosystem building.
This momentum within the Impact Hub Network aligns with broader global trends as more businesses shift toward purpose-driven models.
GLOBAL IMPACT INSIGHTS
Here’s a snapshot of the impact sector in 2024:
1 in 3 startups
aim for social good, addressing global challenges with innovative solutions.
1 in 2 social enterprises
is led by women, advancing gender equity and leadership diversity.
200 million jobs
created by social enterprises, boosting economic inclusion and resilience.
€9.3 trillion potential
market opportunities within the green economy by 2050, highlighting its vast potential.
90% of executives
believe sustainability is important in business.
73% of consumers
worldwide believe brands have a responsibility to make a positive change in the world.
IMPACT APPROACH
We're building better businesses, designing impactful solutions and (re)imaging the future.
To realise this purpose, we focus on two key pathways: Entrepreneurial Support and Cross-Sector Collaboration, guided by the principles of climate action and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The real magic happens when these pathways converge—where entrepreneurs develop impactful solutions that, through cross-sector collaboration, reshape systems and drive us toward a regenerative impact economy.
Entrepreneurial support
We provide entrepreneurs with the resources and connections needed to scale their impactful solutions, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
Cross-sector collaboration
Through large-scale cross-sector collaborations, we mainstream these solutions, driving systemic change across various industries and sectors.
IMPACT IN ACTION
Impact Hubs are place-based innovation spaces for Impact Makers who cultivate ideas that drive systemic change.
Our locally rooted, globally connected network is a powerful engine for economic resilience and inclusive growth, creating the optimal environment for impact-driven enterprises to thrive.
We foster meaningful collaboration between key players in corporate and institutional ecosystems, support impact enterprises, and build the necessary capabilities to promote equal job opportunities and sustainable development.
Whether through entrepreneurial programmes, community engagement, ecosystem building, policy initiatives, social and sustainable procurement, or other collaborative efforts, our commitment lies in enabling Impact Makers to deliver real, measurable change.
In 2023-24, our network focused on several key impact themes, highlighting how we bring meaningful change to life. Here are insights, cases, and examples that illustrate our collective efforts:
Social enterprises led by women are closing the global gender gap
Across the globe, social enterprises are pioneering change, with women leading half of these ventures. Their leadership is crucial in closing the gender gap still prevalent in traditional businesses. Why does this matter? When women lead, we move toward a more equitable society– One that thrives on diverse perspectives. One that fosters innovation. One that enables greater avenues for impact across industries and communities.
Featured programmes
Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award
The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award (WEA), powered by Impact Hub Network, is a collective celebration of women entrepreneurs leading innovative change. This initiative provides resource, knowledge, and network support to women entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures in health, nutrition, and climate solutions.
applications were received, with 15 winners selected from three regions.
partners from APAC, LATAM, Africa, and Europe.
Salto Accelerator
Developed by Impact Hub Floripa and sponsored by Sebrae (across multiple states), JP Morgan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the United Nations, and Viacredi, Salto Aceleradora is supporting micro-entrepreneurs in Brazil to accelerate and scale their businesses through accessible and relevant programmes.
entrepreneurs supported since inception.
increased revenue by the end of the programme.
Meet the women leaders driving change
Discover the inspiring stories of the Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Award winners and their incredible impact.
A 10% shift towards circular practices reduces global waste by 90%
The circular economy offers a transformative approach to managing resources. Together, we can dramatically reduce waste, pollution, and strain on our planet by extending the life-cycle of products we consume. This can be done through reuse, recycling, refurbishment, and composting. Even a 10% shift toward circular practices could cut global waste by over 90%. By rethinking how we use and manufacture resources, we not only minimise environmental impact but also contribute to the wellbeing of the planet and its people.
Featured programmes
CirculUp!
The CirculUP! project is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Impact Hub Network, Impact Hub Yerevan, and the Environment and Health NGO, with support from the European Union in Armenia. This initiative supports civil society actors, promotes circular entrepreneurship, and raises awareness of the circular economy in Armenia.
SMEs received Circo training for the first time in Armenia, learning more about circular economy practices.
members came together to form the Armenian Circular Economy Coalition.
Roots of Circularity
Implemented by Impact Hub Association, Impact Hub Kathmandu, and Wildlife Conservation Nepal, with support from EuropeAid, Roots of Circularity aims to introduce and integrate circular economy principles across various sectors in Nepal. This initiative fosters a collective shift toward a fairer, more environmentally conscious ecosystem.
incubatees received support and resources to implement circular economy principles.
stakeholders have deepened their understanding of the circular economy.
Meet the circular entrepreneurs in our network
Network resource
Embedding circularity: a toolkit for incubators and accelerators
Our circular economy toolkit is designed to equip incubators and accelerators across industries with the resources they need to support leaders, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises toward sustainable business practices. Download the toolkit and explore how to rethink, redesign, and rebuild a more sustainable world.
Indigenous communities protect 80% of the world’s biodiversity
Indigenous lands are home to some of the world’s most well-preserved ecosystems, with significantly higher biodiversity than non-Indigenous areas. As deforestation and land degradation impact climate change, Indigenous stewardship plays a vital role in protecting forests and ecosystems. Their deep connection to the land strengthens biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.
Featured programmes
True Value of Forests
In collaboration with the Wyss Academy, The True Value of Forests is a series of intentional, evidence-based events held across East Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. These events aim to unite diverse voices to develop tangible solutions at the intersection of biodiversity, climate change, and land use.
knowledge sharers joined 4 regional events on forest conservation.
partners joined 4 regional dialogues on the True Value of Forests
Unlocking support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
In collaboration with the FSC Indigenous Foundation, supported by USAID and the Forest Stewardship Council, a methodology was developed to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in entrepreneurship support for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
entrepreneurs and/or representatives from Indigenous communities participated in co-creating the toolkit.
tools and frameworks featured aligning business support with the deep-rooted values and needs of Indigenous communities.
Collective wisdom is shaping the True Value of Forests
When Indigenous leaders, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and individuals come together, their shared perspectives help redefine the true value of forests. Together, our collective wisdom transforms how we understand, protect, and sustain our ecosystems. This collaboration unlocks powerful solutions for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.
This year, in collaboration with Wyss Academy Dialogues, we facilitated meaningful conversations across East Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Discover how our global discussions foster innovative solutions for regenerating the world’s forests and ecosystems.
Toolkit for Inclusive and Relevant Business Support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs.
Align your business support with the values, knowledge, and realities of Indigenous entrepreneurs. From building trust to enhancing programme design, this guide addresses the unique challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs and provides actionable steps to support their growth.
Thriving communities
start with regenerative solutions
Advancing soil health, sustainable food systems, and healthcare innovations are essential to building resilient communities. Regenerative farming practices and health solutions not only enhance nutrition and societal wellbeing but also establish robust systems that support economic stability and long-term sustainability for both people and the planet.
Featured programmes
Lafiya Innovators
Lafiya Innovators is an entrepreneur support programme developed by Impact Hub Basel to accelerate early-stage startups addressing health and wellbeing-related challenges in lower and middle-income countries.
of startups are women-led.
cash rewards distributed to the top four startups to scale and grow.
IGNITE Food Systems Challenge
The IGNITE Food Systems Challenge, in collaboration with the World Food Programme and Impact Hub Kigali, is an initiative aimed at supporting Rwandan startups, cooperatives, and small-to-medium enterprises. This initiative helps organisations strengthen their innovative solutions to address important gaps in the food system.
women engaged in personal and professional training.
key stakeholders participated in workshops and activities.
Transforming agrifood systems for a sustainable future
With one-third of global exports contributing to deforestation, adopting sustainable agrifood practices is crucial for addressing supply chain challenges and reducing deforestation.
AXES: A sustainable agriculture programme
Recognising the need for change, we launched the AXES programme to support agrifood enterprises in rural Colombia and Costa Rica.
AXES promotes sustainable agriculture and deforestation-free farming practices. By fostering these solutions, we drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and create resilient agricultural ecosystems.
Meet the Women Empowerment Award winners shaping health, nutrition, and climate in their regions
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PROGRAMME NUMBERS
Our entrepreneurial programmes are designed to accelerate inclusive and sustainable innovation – at scale.
These initiatives provide essential support, opportunities, and resources that enable impact entrepreneurs to transform complex challenges into opportunities for positive change. By collaborating with key partners, we amplify our efforts and extend our reach, ensuring we effectively address pressing issues and create meaningful impact.
Let’s take a look at the numbers!
Impact Hub programme participants*
impact enterprises
supported through programmes*
partners and funders engaged from the public and private sectors*
enterprises include women in leadership*
IMPACT HUB NETWORK
Meet Impact Hub Founders
Our diverse founders, spanning 60+ countries, are more than business leaders—they are passionate advocates for social change and community builders dedicated to a just and sustainable future. Their unique insights and local expertise fuel tailored solutions that address community needs while leveraging our global network to amplify impact. Together, they embody the spirit of Impact Hub, sparking a movement that drives growth and innovation. Here are some of their stories.
IMPACT HUB NETWORK
Impact Hubs worldwide are driving transformative impact from local initiatives to global change. Across diverse regions, our network supports pioneering solutions that tackle pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. These stories showcase Impact Hub communities’ resilience, creativity, and commitment as they work to build a more inclusive, sustainable future.
Tbilisi
Nairobi
Medellín
Houston
Words from
our CEO and Chair
of the Board
As we close another remarkable year, the Impact Hub Network stands prouder and more determined than ever. With over 500,000 impact makers in over 100 cities, we’re proving that the world needs not just ambition but action—and so we celebrate the creative ingenuity of entrepreneurs and the unwavering conviction of diverse communities to address the profound social, environmental, and economic challenges of our time. Thank you to our teams and allies everywhere.
Together, we’re not just addressing local and global issues—we’re rewriting the playbook on how to confront them. But this is just the beginning.
To supercharge our impact economy, we need visionary partners—institutions, businesses, and foundations—ready to invest in solutions that are as transformative as they are enduring. We’re not aiming for incremental change; we’re on a mission to engage millions of Impact Makers by 2030.
So, will you join us? Let’s scale solutions that don’t just serve people and the planet but give the impact economy real traction. The transition of our society is not a solo act; it’s a symphony of collective action, and together, we can achieve a future of peace, hope and prosperity. Let’s Hub!
Tatiana Glad, CEO
Alfredo Villalonga, Chair of the Board
Ready to join?
Become an Impact Maker
Gain access to valuable resources, collaborative spaces, and a supportive network passionate about making a difference.
Open an Impact Hub in your city
Start an Impact Hub and be part of a global network committed to driving positive social and environmental impact in your community.
Partner for impact
Combine strengths, expertise, and resources to drive meaningful change and create a lasting positive impact on society and the planet.
Community Partnerships
Leverage resources, networks, and expertise to foster social innovation and create sustainable solutions for your local ecosystem.
IMPACT HUB NETWORK
Data notes*
This report compiles data from several key sources within the Impact Hub Network:
Global Community Survey 2023: Insights are drawn from 2,774 responses provided by community members across the network, offering a comprehensive view of member experiences and needs.
Programmes Data Collection 2023: This dataset includes information from 306 programmes conducted within 87 Impact Hubs, covering 78% of the network.
Global Counting Initiative: Data from 67 Impact Hubs covers a range of metrics, including community reach, programme participation, partnership engagement, and indirect beneficiaries, providing a standardised framework to assess network-wide impact and influence.
These sources collectively inform the network’s performance metrics, programme impact, and community engagement on a global scale.
Inclusive and sustainable innovation - at scale.
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