Baltic Impact Accelerator: Fostering Sustainable Growth
The Baltic Impact Accelerator stands at the forefront of a sustainable revolution within the Central Baltic region's economic landscape. With a robust budget exceeding €1.9 million, this initiative is not just another business accelerator; it's a beacon for companies striving to align profit with purpose. Launching on April 1, 2023, and extending its support until March 31, 2026, the program is poised to transform the trajectory of 96 carefully selected start-up companies.
At its core, the Baltic Impact Accelerator champions the Triple Bottom Line approach, a pioneering methodology that balances the traditional pursuit of profitability with the pressing need for environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This holistic framework Planet - People - Profit ensures that participating companies not only thrive financially but also contribute positively to society and the environment.
The project facilitates an array of acceleration cohorts, where companies undergo rigorous development phases designed to amplify their market impact and scalability. These cohorts are complemented by a series of open seminars and knowledge-sharing events, aimed at fostering a vibrant community of like-minded businesses and entrepreneurs across Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden. Companies also will have opportunity to receive financial and non-financial support up to 8000 EUR each.
A unique aspect of the program is its emphasis on cross-border collaboration. By breaking down geographical barriers, the Baltic Impact Accelerator encourages the exchange of ideas, resources, and innovations between companies across the participating countries. This collaborative spirit is further showcased through demo-day events, where businesses have the opportunity to present their growth stories and connect with potential investors and partners.
In addition to direct support for start-ups, the initiative is committed to broadening its impact through public seminars and events. These gatherings serve as a platform for disseminating valuable insights on sustainable business practices, thereby inspiring a wider adoption of the Triple Bottom Line approach within the Central Baltic business ecosystem.
As we advance towards a more sustainable and interconnected economic future, the Baltic Impact Accelerator remains dedicated to nurturing companies that are not just profitable, but also socially and environmentally conscious. By supporting the growth of such enterprises, the project aspires to catalyze a wave of positive change throughout the Central Baltic region, setting a new standard for business excellence and sustainability.
The Baltic Impact Accelerator project will achieve the following results:
- At least 720 (unique) companies reached
- At least 480 (unique) company applications received
- 3 cohorts implemented with 32 companies per cohort
- 480 individual trainings within the project provided to companies
- 3 joint cross-border collaboration events (1 per cohort)
- 3 demo-day events online (1 per cohort)
Lead Partner: Green and Smart Technology Cluster (Latvia)
Project Partners: Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Latvia) | CleanTech Estonia (Estonia) | Sustainability InnoCenter (Sweden) | Lappeenranta-Lathi University of Technology LUT (Finland)
Financed by: Interreg Central Baltic program
More info: https://centralbaltic.eu/project/baltic-impact-accelerator/