The Impact Initiative Launches

As part of the Social Enterprise Sector Development Programme, Ākina are proud to launch: The Impact Initiative.

Following a four month co-design period, the team at Ākina are truly excited to be kicking off a three year programme of work to grow the social enterprise sector across New Zealand, starting with the launch of a brand new online platform: The Impact Initiative.

This programme will be delivered in partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs, working closely with the sector and other government agencies.

The programme has four work streams for Year One:

  • Engaging with the social enterprise sector

  • Developing Capability

  • Facilitating Access to Finance

  • Unlocking Access to Markets

Over the last few months Ākina has spent time collaborating with the Community Enterprise Network Trust (CENT) to design the thinking and structure behind the programme. The programme activities have been developed using these networks to help us talk to social enterprise practitioners around the country about what would be helpful for them.

“There’s been a huge amount of work to get us to this point,” says Ākina CEO, Louise Aitken. “Since the programme establishment began in January, we have already reached some significant milestones, including the close of the first round for the Impact Enterprise Fund, at $8m, as well as the launch of the National Advisory Board for Impact Investing NZ last month.”

“Now that the programme has officially begun, we will be using The Impact Initiative as a platform for capturing and sharing the voice of the sector.”  says Aitken. “We’re so pleased to launch the programme, and we’re excited to work on growing the social enterprise sector over the next few years.”

From here, the programme will be undertaking more face-to-face meetings around the country to engage with social and community enterprises, and give them the opportunity to have input into the four work streams and proposed activities, and to capture a diverse and deeper understanding of what social enterprise sector needs.

To find out more information about the Social Enterprise Sector Development Programme, engage with the programme, share your social enterprise stories, and find events, visit www.theimpactinitiative.org.nz