The linchpin of the Austrian scene for social entrepreneurs is undoubtedly Impact Hub. The co-working space operators have run various incubation programs with companies that support social startups. With the partner Deloitte Austria – one of the “Big Four” business consulting companies – the Vienna Impact Hub Social Entrepreneurs is offering a six-month incubation phase under the title “found!”, Within which business models are to mature.
“Integration of refugees more relevant than ever”
“Found!” Supports projects that create jobs or better employment opportunities for people with a refugee background. The program is funded by the Deloitte Future Fund, which has set itself the goal of “future prospects for socially disadvantaged people”. “Found!” Goes into the third round in 2019. “The potential of social entrepreneurship in Austria is far from exhausted. And the need for successful integration of refugees is more relevant than ever today, “says Bernhard Gröhs, CEO of Deloitte Austria.
The six-month program, which includes workshops and advice for social entrepreneurs, is now open to six social startups selected by a panel of experts. Incidentally, the social startup Shades Tours was named winner of the program in 2018, with a prize of 15,000 euros and 50 consulting hours (Trending Topics reported).
The six finalists
uugot.it: The Viennese start-up has developed a technical solution to learn languages while watching TV. As a result, refugees are playfully supported in their linguistic and cultural integration process. The City of Vienna is already using uugot.it for language courses for refugees (Trending Topics reported).
Bags with Legs: The fashion label from Vienna creates jobs for women with a refugee background: These make handmade bags and thus get the chance for a self-determined, independent life.
Open Piano For Refugees: With the music institute DoReMi, the Viennese want to focus on the expansion of their music school offering, in which, among other things, refugees are hired as teachers.
Kick-free without limits: The football project is intended for young people with a flight experience. The Wiener Verein has made it to the final with its initiative “Job Goals”. The young players are supported in getting started in the education system. In addition, they can take part in vocational preparation courses as well as taster days at companies.
Social Bakery: This is a project of the Diakonie Refugee Service. It is aimed at refugee women with increased access barriers in the labor market. They want to create jobs in the bakery and sales business.
KulturReich: The project focuses on immigrant women in the entrepreneurship sector. Through targeted training and contacts with companies and networks, women entrepreneurs are supported in their entry into the Austrian market.