On Wednesday, October 22, the Social Impulse Hub hosted the third ISIHUB meeting at Salinenstraße 34 in Erfurt, marking the official launch of the Business Skills Program under the Social Impulse Academy. The event served as an inspiring kick-off for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to present their business and social enterprise ideas, receive feedback, and connect with mentors and peers in an engaging, supportive environment.
The session was moderated by Lara Lannan from Werkhaus Inclusion, who welcomed participants, team members and stakeholders such as from the Melton Foundation and introduced the objectives of the Business Skills Program. She emphasized the program’s practical “learning by doing” approach, aimed at helping participants develop their entrepreneurial competencies through interactive workshops, mentorship, and collaboration over the coming months.
A highlight of the evening was the pitch session, where participants presented their 5-minute business ideas to the group. For those who were unable to attend in person, 2-minute video pitches were shown, ensuring that every participant had the opportunity to share their ideas and receive feedback. Each presentation was followed by a round of questions and discussion, allowing both mentors and fellow participants to exchange constructive feedback, insights, and encouragement. This interactive exchange fostered a dynamic environment of peer learning, creativity, and mutual support.
Additionally, participants were introduced to the Participant Portfolio Sheet, a key tool they will use throughout the program period from November 2025 to April 2026. The portfolio will serve as a personalized guide for tracking their progress, documenting insights, and shaping the development of their business models.
Toward the end of the event, Lara outlined the structure and plan of the six-month program, detailing the monthly interactive workshops that will cover essential topics such as:
- Value Proposition
- Business Model
- Marketing & Pitching
- Funding & Financial Management
- Customer Journey
- Prototyping & Pop-Up Store Preparation
Lara also introduced the team of mentors who will accompany the participants throughout the process, providing guidance, expertise, and individualized coaching to help transform ideas into sustainable, socially oriented businesses.
As the formal part of the event concluded, participants gathered for some informal networking. The room filled with lively conversations as attendees exchanged ideas, discussed their projects in greater detail, and explored potential collaborations. This atmosphere of openness and cooperation reflected the spirit of the Social Impulse Hub—fostering community, creativity, and collective growth.
The Business Skills Program represents an important step in fostering inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship in Central Europe. By empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop their business ideas through mentorship, peer learning, and structured training, the initiative contributes to a more resilient and socially conscious local economy. As participants embark on this six-month journey, the Social Impulse Hub continues to provide a platform for innovation, connection, and community-driven growth.
The project has been co-funded under the Interreg Central Europe program of the European Union through the project “TASK4ISI” – Transnational Action to advance SKills and competences FOR Inclusive entrepreneurship and Social Innovation.
