Problem addressed

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in social entrepreneurship across Europe, driven by factors such as economic crises and a collective desire for more inclusive and sustainable economic systems. Social enterprises play a pivotal role in addressing societal challenges, promoting social inclusion, and fostering sustainable development. However, the support structures available to social entrepreneurs—encompassing funding opportunities, capacity building, and knowledge sharing—vary significantly across European countries. In many regions, support remains limited or fragmented, hindering the growth and scalability of social enterprises.​

To address these disparities, the European Commission adopted the Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP) in December 2021, aiming to create the right framework conditions for the social economy to thrive, open up opportunities (including access to finance) and support for capacity building, and enhance recognition of the social economy and its potential. The action plan has a time horizon until 2030, with a mid-term review scheduled for 2025.

Complementing the SEAP, the Commission Expert Group on the Social Economy and Social Enterprises (GECES) advises the European Commission on policies related to the social economy and social enterprises. Currently in its third mandate (2018–2024), GECES assists the Commission in implementing measures from the action plan for the social economy, developing the Transition Pathway for the ‘Proximity and Social Economy’ industrial ecosystem, and preparing legislative proposals. Additionally, GECES facilitates the exchange of best practices and enhances awareness of social economy issues. ​Internal Market SMEs

Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly in providing tailored support mechanisms that cater to the diverse needs of social enterprises across different contexts. Strengthening these support structures is essential to unlock the full potential of social entrepreneurship in contributing to Europe's social and economic objectives.

Innovative solution

Impact Hub Athens addresses the absence of structural support for social entrepreneurs by tapping into the unused potential of international networking and knowledge sharing.  Impact Hub is the first global collaborative network of its kind, designed specifically to support and connect social entrepreneurs across the globe, whilst also providing them with co-working space. Membership packages for social entrepreneurs range from EUR 18.00 to EUR 170.00. Membership gives individuals access to both a physical workspace, a vibrant multi-disciplinary community, and a range of services to support them at different stages of their enterprise development.

Impact Hub Athens supports entrepreneurs working in the fields of urbanism, active citizenship, the circular economy, the environment and systemic change for social integration. Its business incubator provides training on capacity building, and workshops on marketing, for more developed enterprises. The Impact Hub supports entrepreneurs at different stages, from the start of an idea (with access to funding through competitions or other financial schemes), right through to the scaling-up of a business initiative through consulting services.

Impact Hub Athens is part of a growing international network. It collaborates with Impact Hubs in other countries to deliver joint activities and share expertise globally. It also works with companies that provide support to Impact Hub training events as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. For instance, in 2024, Impact Hub Athens launched the Policy Connect initiative, in collaboration with the Google Foundation, to empower the ecosystem of social and environmental innovation in Greece. This series of empowerment events, including Policy Recommendations Focus Groups and Stakeholders Events, aimed to co-create proposals and commitment agreements to strengthen the community of social and environmental entrepreneurship across six regions in Greece.

Key results and benefits

Over the past 10 years, Impact Hub Athens has supported more than 300 social and environmental ventures, trained over 3,000 individuals in entrepreneurship and upskilling, and built a community of over 1,000 members and partners. These social innovators are part of the broader Impact Hub global network, contributing to a culture of collaboration by sharing expertise and co-developing solutions across borders.

Run by a team of 12 full-time experts—including trainers, facilitators, programme managers, researchers, and community builders—Impact Hub Athens hosts a 750 sqm innovation space in central Athens, providing high-quality infrastructure and programming for entrepreneurs and changemakers. Each year, we curate and host over 200 events, including workshops, hackathons, seminars, conferences, networking sessions, and thematic festivals reaching 3,000–5,000 participants.

From 2017 to 2023, Impact Hub Athens operated Greece’s first Social Economy Market—a 1,500 sqm municipal venue in the Kypseli neighbourhood—proposing and implementing an innovative model rooted in social entrepreneurship and community co-ownership. Selected by the Municipality of Athens, Impact Hub transformed the space into a thriving community hub housing 10 permanent social enterprises, hosting 80+ entrepreneurs through monthly pop-ups, and delivering 50+ cultural events, 20+ educational programmes, and 40+ festivals. This dynamic space engaged over 100,000 visitors and offered weekly educational activities to 230+ students, focusing on digital literacy, intercultural skills, and civic participation.

The Market's success—supported by the European Regional Development Fund—demonstrated how place-based social innovation can deliver sustained economic, cultural, and social impact. The visibility and hands-on work of Impact Hub Athens in this and other projects play a key role in raising awareness about social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and inclusive economic development among policy makers, civil society, and the wider public.

Potential for mainstreaming

Impact Hub Athens operates within a globally recognized co-working and incubation model that has been successfully adapted and implemented in diverse socio-economic contexts. The business model is built upon multiple revenue streams, including:​

• Membership Fees: Entrepreneurs and changemakers join to access co-working spaces, incubation services, and a vibrant community network.​
  
   
• Event Space Rentals: Facilities are available for rent, hosting a variety of events that foster community engagement and generate income.​
   
• Training and Mentorship Programs: Offering paid courses and mentorship opportunities that support capacity building for social enterprises.​
  
   
• Funding for Social Interventions: Securing grants and partnerships to implement programs addressing critical social and environmental issues.​
  
   

This multifaceted approach ensures financial sustainability while maximizing social impact. The effectiveness of this model is evidenced by its replication across the Impact Hub global network, which, as of 2025, comprises over 120 Impact Hubs in more than 60 countries, bringing together a community of over 25,000 Impact Makers. 

Designed for scalability, the Impact Hub model allows for local customization, enabling each Hub to address specific regional challenges while benefiting from the collective knowledge and resources of the global network. This adaptability makes it a robust framework for mainstreaming social innovation and entrepreneurship across various settings.