The Network
epNetwork is an ecosystem for social entrepreneurs. The Network supports enterprises by encouraging the application of technology for sustainable development, engaging in capacity development and mentoring, and supporting growth through finance instruments.
Technology and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development
Innovative technologies and organizations help solve basic supply problems worldwide – this notion led to the creation of empowering people. Network in 2013. In developing and emerging countries in particular, appropriate technological solutions adapted to existing conditions have the potential for positive social, environmental, and economic change. We also know that good ideas alone are not enough. Only a well-established organization can turn an idea into long-term change. With empowering people. Network, we support entrepreneurs in using their social enterprises and technology to provide people in developing regions with products and services that last.
As a member of empowering people. Network, you and your social enterprise can benefit from a variety of measures that are aimed at contributing to your development as an entrepreneur and to accompany your organization on its path to financial sustainability and growth.
Capacity Development
With our capacity development activities, we offer workshops and training sessions on topics such as Market Research & Customer Relations, Organizational Development, Social Finance, Impact Measurement, and more. Usually, we host these workshops and training sessions onsite in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, but due to the ongoing pandemic, these workshops are currently on hold. But, we will be back with a new program in 2023.
The most recent activity for our network members is our epMentoring program, which we hosted in collaboration with our partner, enpact. The program aimed to support entrepreneurs by creating a step-by-step road map to help grow their business. Throughout the course of 12 months, 11 entrepreneurs from empowering people. Network received dedicated, ongoing mentorship with in depth one-on-one sessions. Two virtual boot camps, at the beginning and the end, complemented the program with innovative workshops to explore new perspectives and engage in peer learning and networking.
epExperteer Program
From time to time especially small organizations face challenges in their development stages due to unavailability of the required skills or simply because they cannot afford the workforce. The epExperteer Program is looking for specialists volunteering their time and skill set and thereby addressing these issues. For the epExperteer Program we collaborate with Moving Worlds. You can find the current experteering opportunities here .
We know that appropriate financing options are essential for social enterprises to reach their full potential. However, in the global south very few options exist for businesses, especially in the so called „missing middle “. To unlock this growth barrier, we offer patient capital for selected social enterprises, combined with advisory services and technical assistance tailored to the needs of your venture.
Application windows for our funding calls are published here. The rigorous selection process includes several steps, during which we assess the strength of the founding team, social impact potential, economic viability of your business model and fit with the foundation.
The latest Call epScale, hosted in collaboration with our partner Knorr Bremse Global Care e.V., did focus on “Green Jobs and Gender Equality”, and was launched in March 2022. We welcome our new network members: Bidhaa Sasa, Kwangu Kwako, Mace Foods and Sunken! Previous enterprises we supported include Kenyan waste recycling company TakaTaka Solutions, among others.