enpact was founded 9 years ago. What drove us to start the non-profit organization was the desire to conceive development cooperation differently. We wanted to use other formats, to think more entrepreneurially, to try out new things, to address and involve other target groups – especially entrepreneurs. We were also united by the frustration about a certain lack of results in development cooperation. At the very least, development cooperation (and we at enpact as part of it) have to ask ourselves about the cost-benefit ratio. In particular in view of the enormous sums already invested over decades.
That is why we advocate to increasingly rely on new forms and concepts in order to increase the effectiveness. Today, we are convinced that putting entrepreneurship and the promotion of entrepreneurial ecosystems in the focus of our work provides a promising and self-sustainable approach. Why?
By directly supporting those who are willing to take personal risks and already roll up their sleeves – founders and business owners – we empower exactly the right people to create required jobs and opportunities themselves.
With our very first mentoring programs, we saw the immediate and tangible value that genuine connections have. This has been in our DNA ever since. The belief in horizontal learning and knowledge sharing. In other words: Programs from entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.
Bringing together changemakers and entrepreneurial minds from different background has many merits: By providing a safe space for an exchange on equal footing, barriers are removed, friendships and partnerships are born and businesses are developed. It culminates in changing the courses of lives forever.
However, connections alone are not enough: entrepreneurs need financial support to achieve real growth. Therefore, since 2019, we have been offering a range of programs that provide entrepreneurs and organizations with our approach. A powerful combined solution that unites mentoring, the building of personal and professional relationships and networks, the strengthening of capacities via a variety of tools, and – last but not least – direct financial support.
Today, after years of building, refining, and honing this approach has been made as efficient as possible. It had its fair share of testing, pivoting, automation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. It is now ready to be adapted and scaled – even at very short notice – to support entrepreneurs across different locations, development stages and crisis contexts. But, enough about us…
The real spotlight should be on the courageous people who are out there doing the work everyday to create impact of all kinds of scale. Check out their stories and get to know hundreds of impact-driven entrepreneurs. Also, get in touch with our international team leading all our projects around the world.
Intrigued? Then get involved and take part in empowering entrepreneurship.
With love from Berlin,
Matthias Treutwein & Dr. Sebastian Rubatscher