*

Let's build
a better FUTURE

today, for tomorrow.

ABOUT

The initiative

Across Europe, social innovators are working towards solving today's biggest challenges set forth by the Sustainable Development Goals. As new models of business, formal and informal innovations taking place are a positive force committed to shaping our better future.

However, access to funding, skills and networks remains a critical barrier to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs and social enterprises whose ideas hold the potential to solve local issues.

This is why, through StartSocial, we commit to empowering a diversity of ideas, and the people behind them, to build the capacity and capabilities of Europe's social innovation economy.

We can accomplish far more together, than we can alone. And together, we can accelerate progress towards a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient European future for all.

THE

Training

Have you created a solution that answers a concrete need in your community? Are you ready to take your idea to the next level?

StartSocial is designed to provide social entrepreneurs and enterprises a catalyst for growth by equipping them with the knowledge, network and funding that will help them achieve their aspirations as well as new capabilities, mindsets, and behaviors.

​

​

*

Why apply

FUNDING

Where you are in your social innovation journey will determine how much funding you're eligible for. Each selected social enterprise receives a cash grant up to €100,000. Each selected aspiring social entrepreneur receives a cash grant up to €10,000. 

KNOWLEDGE

Work with industry and technical mentors who will provide on-the-ground guidance to accelerate your progress or further develop or define your solution. Start-ups will receive incubation services including workshops, tailored to their needs, while aspiring entrepreneurs will be trained with the skills to help them take their next steps towards social impact.

NETWORKING

Participants will be able to tap into and leverage our strong network of public, private and government partners to accelerate their professional development and solutions implementation.

COMMUNITY

Together, each participant will co-create a cross-border community to build a social entrepreneurship ecosystem which mirrors the values of openness and integration which sit at the heart of the European project.

*

HOW WE SELECT
Innovations 

Applications submitted to the Start Social program are assessed according to a standard set of criteria, and are reviewed by both INCO and external experts.

​

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

Announcement
& onboarding

A European
Call to Action

Our objective is to move the Sustainable Development Goals forward by strengthening Europe's social innovation networks which sit at the heart of a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient society.