On Tuesday, 25 November, the Social Impulse Academy and the Thüringer Agentur für Kreativwirtschaft (THAK) came together for a vibrant networking event that brought entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators into one shared space. Hosted at Salinenstraße 34 in Erfurt, the gathering offered participants a unique chance to broaden their networks, spark collaborations, and exchange fresh perspectives across sectors.
The event opened with short welcoming remarks from representatives of both the Social Impulse Hub and THAK, emphasizing the shared goal of strengthening Thuringia’s innovation ecosystem. The room consisted of individuals who were exploring initial business ideas and professionals who had already established their own enterprises.
Designed as part of the Business Skills Program, the evening functioned as an informal learning and exchange session, complementing the program’s structured workshops. At the same time, it also contributed to the Business Matchmaking Program, serving as a platform to connect entrepreneurs with potential collaborators, mentors, and emerging opportunities across creative and entrepreneurial fields.
To set the tone for the evening, the organizers introduced a speed-networking format—a fast-paced, dynamic setup that encouraged participants to meet as many new faces as possible. Despite the quick rhythm, conversations ran deep. Participants spoke about their business concepts, creative projects, and the challenges they are navigating. Many used the time to pitch their ideas in short, impactful bursts. Others focused on finding collaborators, mentors, or simply inspiration from peers doing meaningful work.
Business cards were exchanged steadily as participants uncovered shared interests, unexpected connections, and complementary skill sets. Once the structured speed-networking concluded, the group transitioned smoothly into open discussions, forming small clusters. Participants continued exploring ideas in greater depth—sketching concepts, offering suggestions, and revisiting earlier exchanges—while many noted how valuable it was to connect with individuals outside their usual circles, particularly creatives from THAK’s community who introduced fresh perspectives to familiar challenges.
The evening demonstrated the power of simple, well-designed encounters. By blending the entrepreneurial spirit of the Social Impulse Academy with the creative energy fostered by THAK, the event created a fertile ground for collaboration. It highlighted how essential cross-sector exchange is for building resilient, diverse, and innovative ecosystems. In the end, participants left with new contacts and new ideas. The relationships formed and conversations sparked will continue to shape projects, partnerships, and future initiatives.
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.
