Impact Network – that’s the name of the new network in the Örebro region for social enterprises and entrepreneurs who are working to make a difference and contribute to a better world.
“We want to create a space where people can share experiences and inspire one another,” says Fredric Öjebrandt of Creative House.
Impact Network is a network and a hub for sustainable business models, the circular economy, and social entrepreneurship.
Impact Network is a collaboration between Örebro University, Forum for Social Innovation Sweden, Creative House, and SE Forum. The purpose of the network is to bring together entrepreneurs and companies working in the field of sustainability.
“We’re seeing more and more companies emerge that are working toward social or climate sustainability and want to help make the world a better place. We also know that many feel alone in facing their challenges,” says Fredric Öjebrandt of Creative House, a hub for startups and businesses in Örebro.
– It feels really good to be able to facilitate the launch of this network through the Vinnova project Forum for Social Innovation Sweden , where we as an institution are building a regional knowledge hub focused on social innovation and social entrepreneurship. These are creative solutions that can help us address the challenges our society faces,” says Pia Ridderby, unit director at Örebro University.
“Social enterprises require a different kind of guidance”
Last week, the network quietly kicked off its first meeting, where a small group of entrepreneurs was invited to hear from Ruth Brännvall, founder and CEO ofImpact Invest, a company that provides consulting and investment services to businesses with a positive social impact.
– Many socially motivated entrepreneurs do not feel at home in traditional startup environments or within the conventional innovation system, where there is often a one-sided focus on creating jobs and growth.
She believes that a different kind of guidance is needed to grow as a company when it was founded with the aim of addressing a social or environmental problem.
“It often involves complex business models where collaboration is essential to move forward. It’s important for entrepreneurs to have a place where they can come together and share their challenges, and we’ve seen a need for that in Örebro,” says Ruth Brännvall.
The next meeting of the network will take place on November 9. It will be an in-person gathering at Creative House, where we’ll have lunch together, discuss our projects, and hear from a guest speaker.
“All entrepreneurs with a business idea based on a sustainable business model—ideally in the circular economy, social innovation, or social entrepreneurship—are warmly welcome,” says Fredric Öjebrandt.
Text: Anna Lorentzon
Photo: Mattias Dyrvik