European Innovation Council
2021
Frank Appeldoorn, Holger Westphely, Jakob Detering, and others
The "Finance Your Social Innovation" toolkit is a newly released resource by the European Social Innovation Competition, supported by the European Commission and the European Innovation Council. This toolkit aims to assist early-stage social innovators in launching their projects by providing essential guidance and tools for securing funding. As social innovation gains momentum, this toolkit serves as a vital resource for those looking to make a difference in their communities. Designed as a comprehensive guide, the toolkit walks users through every step of the funding process. It begins with the foundational aspects of project development and progresses to accessing various funding sources, including early-stage finance tools and specific EU funding opportunities. The structure of the toolkit is creatively mapped to the trajectory of a rocket, symbolizing the journey from conception and design to successful launch. What sets this toolkit apart is its focus on early-stage social innovators and young startups. It offers tailored information and guidance that can benefit those who are still in the planning stages of their business models. Users will find practical tools to apply theoretical concepts, along with inspirational case studies that showcase successful initiatives from across the EU. The contributions from industry experts enhance the toolkit's credibility and provide valuable insights, making it an indispensable resource for aspiring social entrepreneurs.
Finance your social innovation – New funding toolkit released
A new funding toolkit from the European Social Innovation Competition, run by the European Commission, with support from the European Innovation Council, has just been released to help early stage social innovators get their projects off the ground.
The free toolkit takes interested innovators through all steps, from laying the groundwork, how to access funding, early-stage finance tools and providers, specific EU funding opportunities and all the way through to next steps once funding is acquired. The toolkit is mapped around the trajectory of a rocket, from conception and design through to lift-off. It provides simple steps for social innovators and early-stage startups to follow, and breaks down the various avenues of funding available to them. This new funding toolkit is different to others as it focuses specifically on the early-stage social innovators and young start-ups, enabling those still formulating business models and plans to benefit from information and guidance. Within the toolkit users will find information and guidance, specific tools for users to put theory into practice, and inspirational case studies from across EU Member States. Expert contributions from respected individuals such as Frank Appeldoorn, Managing Partner at Arches Capital, Holger Westphely, Acting Head of CAF Venturesome and Jakob Detering, Managing Director of Social Impact Award, are also available throughout the toolkit.