European Innovation Council
2021
Frank Appeldoorn, Holger Westphely, Jakob Detering, and others
The "Finance Your Social Innovation" toolkit, developed by the European Social Innovation Competition in collaboration with the European Innovation Council, is designed to assist early-stage social innovators in securing funding for their projects. Released on March 20, 2024, this comprehensive resource aims to guide innovators through the often complex landscape of financing options available to them. The toolkit is structured as a journey, akin to the trajectory of a rocket, starting from the conception of ideas and moving through design to eventual lift-off. It provides a step-by-step approach for social innovators and startups, simplifying the process of accessing funding. By breaking down various funding avenues, the toolkit empowers users to navigate the financial landscape with confidence and clarity. What sets this toolkit apart is its specific focus on early-stage innovators and young startups. Unlike other resources, it recognizes the unique challenges faced by those still developing their business models and plans. Users will find a wealth of information, practical tools, and inspirational case studies that not only illustrate successful funding strategies but also motivate them to take action. Additionally, the toolkit features expert insights from prominent figures in the social innovation space, such as Frank Appeldoorn and Holger Westphely, who share their knowledge and experiences to enrich the content. This valuable resource is essential for anyone looking to transform their innovative ideas into impactful social enterprises.
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.