Learn more about Emanate International on their website, watch interviews on their YouTube Channel and register for their newest Certificate in Sustainable Development Practice. You can get 25% off if you register by June 16th using: Promo CODE: 25OFF_CERT
How Good Intentions Can Cause Dependency
Nonprofits, foundations and social businesses are committed to doing good. But sometimes, unforeseen consequences can come from good intentions. Local jobs are lost, solutions fail when volunteers leave or money runs out and poverty can actually increase.
This month, Emanate International shared an enlightening workshop on this topic highlighting the importance of community-driven, sustainable solutions.
If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here.
Food Waste Summit
This month, we were also excited to welcome attendees of the 2022 Food Waste Solutions Summit to Impact Hub MSP.
3 days of insights, innovation, and action happening right in our neighborhood!
Presented by ReFED, the Food Waste Solutions Summit is the premier food waste event of the year, bringing together food businesses, funders, solution providers, innovators, policymakers, nonprofits, and more to drive the adoption of solutions to reach our collective goal of a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030.
Learn more: https://summit.refed.org/
Values-Driven Branding
Creating a new brand can be scary. Ashly Kimball, of A Kimball Creative, shared some new, fun ways of thinking to build your values-driven brand.
- If your business was a movie, what genre would it be?
- Look at your business through 3D Glasses
- The red side is your messaging and the blue side is your style/vibe, completing the big picture of your brand!
- You are a character AND the director in your business’ movie – In the middle of crazy entrepreneurship, don’t forget to take a step back and notice what you are building
If you missed this workshop, check out the recording and visit A Kimball Creative.
Community Building and Puzzle Building
When our members aren’t working hard to change the world, we take a little time for fun such as;
- Completing our first communal puzzle
- Taking game breaks. Our favorites right now are Foosball, Connect 4 and Laser Chess
- Weekly Happy Hours – one of which included a special plant exchange with dirt cupcakes
- Giving lots of snuggles to our furry four-legged members
SDGs in Action: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Everyone, no matter your age, identity or background, deserves to feel safe and free from fear of violence in all of its forms. Yet, everyday, terrifying injustices are happening across the globe;
- 100 civilians are killed in armed conflicts daily.
- Over 79.5 million people are forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution and conflict.
- In 2019, the UN tracked 357 killings and 30 enforced disappearances of human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists and 47 countries.
Sustainable Development Goal 16 is working towards ensuring just, peaceful and inclusive societies. How?
- Identifying the root causes and drivers of conflict.
- Promoting non-discriminatory policies through free, democratic press
- Combating corruption, bribery and organized crime in order to prevent extreme violence and terrorism
However, progress towards this goal feels very distant as we watch the destruction, senseless deaths and clear violations of human rights caused by the War in Ukraine.
Our friends at Impact Hub Odessa had this to say;
“We believe that Ukraine will stand because we are united and the whole civilized world is behind us. But we need to act! This war is more than anyone could imagine and puts the security of Europe at risk. All international security rules do not work. Now the actions and choices of each of us influence the future of Ukraine, Europe and the world.
As a global community, the support is almost overwhelming. Whether witnessing the relationship between Impact Hub Odessa and Impact Hub Moscow (and the changemakers in Russia for peace working behind the scenes that cannot disclose their work) to Impact Hub Yerevan offering what they learned operating a Hub during war to leaders from Bucharest volunteering at the Border to the US Hub leaders coming together to support our members impacted by the latest events, I am grateful for you all and the work you do. “
If there is anything to learn from these times and conflicts, it is how we can play a role through the work we do everyday in rebuilding social fabric and local economic development through community engagement and responsible business.
Thank you to our community and partners for your support as we more strongly and collectively imagine a brighter future into being.
Together for Mental Health
I didn’t want to end this blog post without also mentioning Mental Health Awareness Month. After hearing these bleak statistics, feeling constant worry about the state of our world plus the stress, isolation and uncertainty of a global pandemic, it is clear that mental health should not only be a focus of this month, but always.
Learn more about how Mental Health Awareness Month is reducing the stigma around mental health, lifting up resources that contribute to wellbeing for all and celebrating the pioneers who have gotten us where we are today.
Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
As Impact Hub’s across the world are focusing on a new environmental strategy, we would like to let you know some things that we are working on locally to make ourselves align with the goals. One of main focuses that you have probably noticed when you are in the space is reducing our waste as much as possible. Part of that process involves all of you and doing some training around what is compostable, what is recyclable, and what is trash. (FYI, black plastic is not recyclable!) We are working on getting very clear signage for all locations with bins, so you can take a moment and easily find out which bin you should be placing your trash in. We really appreciate your efforts in this!
Another area that we are working on is the lighting in the space. We are partnering with Paul Whitaker and Jody Kovalick from Schuler Shook, a local company that does theater and lighting design to figure out how we can get more efficient and better lighting. We’d like to be able to use the least amount of energy possible and have brighter, more office-appropriate lighting. We will be contacting the landlord to find out if there is anything that is being done in the building in general that could help us become more efficient.
We have more ideas that we are researching, but these are the immediate, concrete steps that we are taking to start. Please let us know if you have any ideas to share about helping us move toward a more environmentally efficient work space!
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable Development Goal 9 is working towards building a resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive & sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. This progress is key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and increasing access to innovative technologies.
Thank you to our members & partners working towards this goal!
Angaza, Clip Different, Fair Anita, Forge North, Lunar Startups, Seasoned Specialty Foods and Software for Good.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Revolutionizing distribution for life-changing products.
Angaza makes it possible for over 2 billion people around the world to access life-changing products. We redefine how these products are purchased, enabling distributors to offer affordable payments to consumers without access to traditional banking.
The power of one small thing.
We believe each person has a story which can inspire and empower others. At ClipDifferent, our story includes a group of socially-minded collaborators who aspire to create innovative products that can leverage the power of how one small thing can make a huge difference.
Cute + Ethical + Affordable
Fair Anita teamed up with talented artisans worldwide to design ridiculously cute gifts + accessories that invest in women and fit your budget. Now, when you purchase jewelry, you can shop your values!
Your front door to startup growth inn Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
Forge North is both a rally cry and an active coalition of entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and other problem solvers united to make Minneapolis-Saint Paul the best place to start and scale ventures. Learn more about us in the video.
Economic empowerment through inclusive entrepreneurship.
Lunar Startups specializes in growth, connection, and innovation for Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, women, and non-binary entrepreneurs.
We’re building an unshakeable system of support for our CEOs. No tools or time wasted, we’re demystifying pathways for scalable growth and creating a gravitational pull for talent, jobs, and capital to the Bold North.
The little market with a big purpose.
Seasoned Specialty Foods is all about local foods and helping the small-batch food maker enter and thrive in the market place. Our experience is working with makers of color and women-owned food businesses.
At our core, we are a producer-led market with a unique grocery model that helps food startups and emerging food businesses to bring their finest products directly to consumers, while working to connect them to more retailers, and give them all proceeds from their food sales. We call this co-retail – an artisanal grocery model with potential to create efficiencies and equip small producers to scale.
We bring people and technology together to solve complex world problems.
The Software for Good team of Minneapolis software engineers believes technology has the power to engage and motivate people to solve critical global issues—issues like climate change, hunger, human rights, clean water, renewable energy, health care, and education.
Join Impact Hub MSP in celebrating local artists, makers, and social entrepreneurs at the 3rd Annual Goods for Good Marketplace.
We are especially excited this year because we are partnering with Social Enterprise MSP to host a week-long celebration of Social Businesses – Social Impact Week MN– driving awareness and visibility of local social enterprises.
The digital campaign will lead up to the Goods 4 Good Market – a chance to shop your values and celebrate social impact!
Important Dates
November 11- Global Social Enterprise Day
November 15- Social Impact Week MN Campaign Kickoff #WhySocial – Get the toolkit!
November 18- Give to the Max Day & Impact Hub Happy Hour, 4-6pm
November 20- Goods 4 Good Market, 10am-4pm @ True North Collaborative – located at 3001 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls (atrium of Seven Points – the old Calhoun Square building)
Shop social impact vendors and businesses creating products with a purpose and meet amazing social entrepreneurs trying to change the world!
Partners & Supporters
SDG 4 – Quality Education is working towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all.
Thank you to our partners & members for your work towards this goal!
Small Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP)
The B-TAP program was created to provide consulting support to businesses located in the City of Minneapolis. Through B-TAP, the City contracts with local organizations focused on entrepreneur training and economic development to provide direct services to new and existing businesses.
A TRULY YOUTH-LED MOVEMENT
Bridgemakers is a holistic civic social and financial capacity building platform which amplifies the stories and mentors the leadership of black, brown and otherwise marginalized youth. We build bridges between young artists, activists and entrepreneurs with experienced leaders to engage intergenerational collaboration in breaking cycles of miseducation, poverty, violence and addiction. Together, we’re reimagining and revitalizing marginalized communities to flourish with passion purpose positive relationships and power.
Online Training for Community Leaders Working for Social Change
Cultivate’s one-of-a-kind program provides training and personalized coaching for community leaders and their organizations, to equip them to lead grassroots community programs which fight poverty, injustice, and oppression.
We believe empowerment through education is key to social transformation.
Resources to rebuild, reestablish and reignite your business
Elevate Business HC offers businesses in Hennepin County free advising and other resources to help them recover from the pandemic and build for future growth. A collaborative effort between Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Elevate Business is committed to providing equitable and inclusive support to meet unique needs of businesses, while driving long-term economic growth for our region.
We Remove Barriers to Understanding.
GogyUp converts existing documents into interactive information resources for adults with limited literacy skills, impaired vision, dyslexia, or beginning English proficiency.
What’s more, GogyUp’s approach to literacy skill development means that adults can improve their ability to read over time as they use GogyUp in their workplace and throughout daily life.
Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship
The Holmes Center is the hub of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Minnesota that inspires, educates and connects the next generation of Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. We mobilize the community and provide support for emerging entrepreneurs, both within and outside the University, through experiential courses and engaging outreach programs.
Engaging 1,500 listeners and readers by the end of 2022.
Legacy Family Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our goal is to address unmet social, emotional, and educational needs of children and their families with emphasis on developing the capacity
of the family through partnerships and collaborations in the community.
The mission of Legacy Family Center is to serve as a catalyst for families to affect their own change by providing education and social services within the communities in which they reside.
Where ideas and intellectual curiosity matter
At Macalester College, we’re painting a different picture of what a liberal arts education can be—one where challenging academics inspire personal, social, and intellectual growth. With special emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society, a Macalester education prepares students to thrive in a globally connected world.
A premier visual publication of black male educators across the USA.
Across the USA Black Male Educators make up about 2% of all educators despite research indicating the impact educators of color have on all students. Black Male Educators are faced with so many challenges in the field of education. From isolation, racial bias, racial inequities, self hate, tokenism and the simple fact that the system was never designed for people of color let alone black men. This publication is created in the spirit of decolonizing these educational oppressive challenges and UpLift current Black Male Educators and visually inspire young Black Aspiring youth.
180 countries. 40,000 activities. Removing barriers and welcoming all.
November 8-14, 2021.
Connect with a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and other startup champions in 170+ countries.
Impact Hub MSP is proud to be an organizer for #GEW2021! Check out our events below. Want to learn more? See what is happening locally and globally!
Monday 11/9-Friday 11/12 Free Coworking at Impact Hub MSP
The Impact Hub community of impact-driven entrepreneurs, creators, innovators and entrepreneurs are taking action today to create a better world tomorrow for people and the planet.
Visit us to see why we are so much more than just a coworking space! We will be offering FREE coworking all week.
Tuesday 11/9, 1-2pm Growing Pains: Why Isn’t Your Social Impact Brand Profitable (Yet)?
This is the million dollar question and we’ve all asked it.
- You want to scale your sustainable or shop-for-good brand
- Your sales are increasing, but are they as profitable as they could be?
- Or you’ve been at it for several years and sales have finally outgrown your existing operations
Wherever you are in your journey, don’t miss this master class by Michelle King Thomas, founding partner of fair trade fashion powerhouse Mata Traders.
Michelle will discuss her journey as a social entrepreneur and share the growth story of Mata Traders — from its solid foundation to turbulent times to her leadership transition out of the day-to-day. She will share her specific learnings about navigating both uncontrolled growth and plateaued revenue and answer questions about the possibilities and pitfalls unique to entrepreneurs growing a social impact brand. Join us!
This event is hosted by GoodCarts and Social Venture Circle .
Wednesday 11/10, 9-10am CT 1 Million Cups MSP
Link
We are excited to partner with Global Entrepreneurship Week on a special 1 Million Cups session!
We are opening up spots for entrepreneurs to present to the GEW audience and a selection of Expert Coaches from the Impact Hub on Wednesday, November 10th. We will do a series of speed presentations (no longer than 5 minutes), followed by feedback from our Experts. You will then have the opportunity to meet 1-1 for further coaching after the event.
Thursday 11/11, 1:30-3pm CT Speed Coaching for Entrepreneurs
RSVP Link
Meet one-on-one with successful business coaches in 15 minute increments to discuss strategies and solutions that are right for your business. Participants rotate among volunteer coaches to gain advice, connections and inspiration.
Find a great match? Our volunteer Experts are available for scheduled meetings year-round!
11/8-11/14 The Houston Innovation Summit “THIS” with Impact Hub Houston
Link
THIS spotlights Houston’s best and brightest at the intersection of Impact and Innovation, featuring the thinkers, doers, makers, and innovators at the forefront of Education, Ecosystems, Inclusion, and Policy. Join Impact Hub Houston and our startup and small business community for a week of exciting events that will connect you with the folks driving Houston forward!
At Impact Hub, we believe that change cannot happen in isolation. We need to collaborate! SDG 17 articulates the importance of global, regional, national and local partnerships built upon a shared vision and goals.
We are proud to partner with amazing organizations in the Twin Cities including; Chameleon Shoppes, Cogent Consulting, Global Shapers, Social Enterprise MSP, Forge North, MINN, The MN Cup, TCSW. Thank you for your commitment to social impact!
FROM EMPTY TO EQUITY
The Chameleon Consortium is a private-public group dedicated to the experiential and economic vitality of downtown Minneapolis. Our purpose is to create vibrant downtown experiences by transforming empty retail spaces into equity opportunities for BIPOC- and women-owned businesses. We’re passionate about opening up business opportunities that may not have been possible before. We’re thrilled to be a part of an evolving downtown that evokes inclusive interest, attraction and pride.
At Cogent, We Speak the Language of Philanthropy, Business, and Impact Investing
We’re a financial and impact investing firm empowering purpose-driven organizations to drive positive impact in their communities. We love helping our clients and communities do good well in a smart, efficient way to help give you a fresh perspective on the way you think about money. We do this by applying traditional investment, community engagement, and creative design approaches to impact investing and strategy development.
The Power of Youth in Action
The Minneapolis Global Shapers are a bridge between those who lead change and those who wish to; we are a bridge between those whose voices are powerful and those whose voices are under-represented. As Shapers and as friends, we put people first and use our collective strengths to complement each other’s efforts to create positive, sustainable systems change.
ADVANCING A PURPOSE-DRIVEN ECONOMY IN MSP.
People are driven by purpose. Why isn’t our economy? We are driving a movement of businesses, organizations and individuals who dedicate themselves to making a positive impact through social enterprise. Join the growing community of changemakers in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Your front door to startup growth in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Forge North is both a rally cry and an active coalition of entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and other problem solvers united to make Minneapolis-Saint Paul the best place to start and scale ventures. Learn more about us in the video.
Forum for international practitioners and supporters to learn, network and exchange professional expertise.
Our Vision: To be the leader in providing a collaborative environment for Minnesota international NGOs to learn and exchange ideas. Our efforts result in innovative and effective solutions that enrich the lives of the global community.
Our Work: Founded in the spring of 2005, The Minnesota International NGO Network serves to connect all international humanitarian and development practitioners and supporters based in Minnesota, through education, networking, and information resources. Whether you are new to the world of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or a seasoned veteran, MINN is your forum to connect with colleagues and stay aware of what other NGOs based in Minnesota are doing around the world.
Startup Competition. Seed Funding. Mentorship. Pitch Coaching. Exposure. Connection to experts.
MN Cup is a community-led, public-private partnership supporting Minnesota’s entrepreneurs. We host an annual competition that reaches emerging entrepreneurs from across the state and connects them with education, mentorship and support to launch and accelerate the development of their new ventures. Our competition and events are totally free, and we take no equity in exchange for the seed funding we give away. You won’t find any other industry-agnostic competition like ours.
SHOWCASING THE BEST FROM THE STARTUP CAPITAL OF THE NORTH
In every corner of the Twin Cities Metro Area there’s a hacker, builder, artist, engineer, and entrepreneur whose efforts power the future economic vitality of this great state. During this week, we celebrate their efforts in the form of attention, praise, and investment… if you feel so bold. It’s an entire week of Minnesota-made innovations on display.
In every corner of the Twin Cities Metro Area there’s a hacker, builder, artist, engineer, and entrepreneur whose efforts power the future economic vitality of this great state. During this week, we celebrate their efforts in the form of attention, praise, and investment… if you feel so bold. It’s an entire week of Minnesota-made innovations on display.
We are so excited for this year’s Twin Cities Startup Week! See this curated list of events hosted by Impact Hub MSP and our amazing members!
Learn more here: https://www.twincitiesstartupweek.com/
Monday 9/20
1:15-2:15pm
Change Can’t Happen in Isolation: Convergence of the Sustainable Development Goals
Mark Ritchie, Lori Most, Duza Baba, Max Bock-Aronson
Monday 9/20
2:00-2:45pm
The Re-emergence of Place-based Entrepreneurship
Dan Collison/Minneapolis Downtown Council
Monday 9/20
2:30-3:15
Taking the First Step with Tech
Software for Good
Monday 9/20
3:00-4:15pm
Making an Impact with Your Business form the Inside Out: To B or Not to B (Corp)
B Local
Monday 9/20
3-3:45pm
Investing in Our Collective Futures!
Cogent Consulting
Tuesday 9/21
4-4:45pm
Don’t Have a Plan, Build a Strategy: How to Recognize & Prioritize Marketing Opportunities
Lindsay LaShall
Tuesday 9/21
6-9pm
Meda Million Dollar Challenge After Party
Prashant Karki/MEDA
Wednesday 9/22
9:15-10:15am
Fear of Missing Out vs Disparities: Effective Fundraising Strategies for Founders of Color
Dr. Paul Campbell
Wednesday 9/22
9:15-10:15am
Lessons from Black Tech Leaders
Dr. Chris Brooks
Wednesday 9/22
12-1pm
Overcoming Burnout with Mindful Productivity for Entrepreneurs
Rahul Bhojwani, Tamara Torres
Wednesday 9/22
1:15-2:00pm
Davidy Ly
Wednesday 9/22
3:30-4:30pm
Program-Related Investments in Healthcare
Jeff Ochs
Wednesday 9/22
9:15-10:15am
Fear of Missing Out vs Disparities: Effective Fundraising Strategies for Founders of Color
Dr. Paul Campbell
Thursday 9/23
4-4:50pm
Dr. Chris Brooks
Friday 9/24
12:30-1:30pm
Leverage Your Success with the Four Tendencies
Tamara Torres
The world continues to use our natural resources. unsustainably. In 2017, our global material footprint reached 85.9 billion tons. We are grateful to the following members for working towards a more sustainable future.
Forever Ware, Harvest Nation, Tech Dump, Threaded, Y Sustainability, Smart Set, EOS International, Twiggy Fresh, Spark Y
A new type of takeout containers
Forever Ware is creating a new takeout containers that are durable, beautiful and safe for our health and planet. Forever Ware works directly with a variety of food businesses including restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks, farmer’s markets, event hosts and more to provide multi-use containers for meals on the go.
Learn more: https://foreverware.org/
The Future of Farm-To-Table Food
The Future of Farm-to-Table Food is coming to the Iron Range of Minnesota through the innovation and hard work of four Native Women from Lake Vermilion! Harvest Nation is an indoor, aeroponic farm currently fundraising to afford a three-year pilot demonstration project. Help us bring Fresh, Quality, Heirloom, Non-GMO Vegetables and Fruits, locally grown year-round to the Northland.
Learn more: https://www.harvestnationinc.com/
Your Partners for Electronics Recycling
Tech Dump is an industry leader in electronics recycling. One of the largest collectors of e-waste in the state of Minnesota, this Twin Cities-based organization has processed more than 35 million pounds of electronic waste—all while adhering to the highest standards of data security.
In addition to their proven track record of providing seamless electronics recycling services for businesses and organizations of all sizes, they are also a social enterprise that provides jobs and training for persons facing barriers to employment. They believe that everything and every person has value.
Learn more: https://www.techdump.org/
We are Threaded
THREADED is a locally-based community committed to driving change in the fashion industry.
Through sharing powerful stories of passionate changemakers, they are creating space for conversations around sustainability + ethics, highlighting locally-based brands & resources, and providing opportunities to come together at collaborative events to connect and share ideas.
Learn more: https://www.wearethreaded.co/
Your Sustainable Journey Starts Here
Y Sustainability is a Public Benefit Corporation started by a group of dynamic professionals to strive for a sustainable world through holistic consulting and education.
They work with SMEs, including NGOs, NPOs and municipalities to empower and enhance their positive impact reach by incorporating all stakeholder interest to ensure holistic and successful sustainability goals.
Learn more: https://ysustainability.com/
Proud Purveyors of Premium Print Services Since 1986
You put a lot of thought and care into what you’re doing. We do too. Doing good is part of our bottom line. We pay attention to our environmental footprint and offer more sustainable options as part of our regular offerings. We’re a certified B Corporation, so you know that when we say we care, we really do. Together, we can make the world a better place.
Learn more: https://smartset.com/
Fresh. Local. Youth-Grown.
Spark-Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering youth through hands-on education
rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Spark-Y serves its mission of youth empowerment through three branches: hands-on learning, urban agriculture lab, and youth pathways. These initiatives work together systemically, creating multiple touch points for youth engagement.
Collectively, these branches serve over 2,500 youth annually.
Learn more: https://www.spark-y.org/
