Impact in the Neighbourhood

Impact in the Neighbourhood

Catalysing change through investments and policy
28-29 June 2023 | Tbilisi, Georgia

Let’s get neighbourly! 

Join the Collaborate for Impact community for two days of building social entrepreneurship through impact investing!

Learn, connect and scale impact with pioneers and leaders of impact entrepreneurship in the central and eastern Europe and Middle East and north Africa (MENA) regions.

Organised by Collaborate for Impact, the event dives deep on smarter ways to finance systems change and social entrepreneurs for long-term sustainability, building resilience for both enterprises and communities.

Connecting

Background Information

Meet the neighbours

We’re bringing together 150 of the world’s most determined impact people to share their journeys. While Europe’s east will get a large share of the spotlight, the event will convene diverse perspectives, with a programme to match: 

  • Impactful businesses – including corporate actors and capacity building companies. Build a business case for impact, figure out the ‘S’ in ESG, leverage the right corporate resources and more! 
  • Public authorities – learn the value of public-private partnerships, and how to set them up for maximum impact!
  • Impact Together! partners – part of a new project building the impact ecosystem from Morocco to Lebanon. First chance to connect and build synergies!
  • Seasoned European players in impact ecosystems – hear their cases and learn what didn’t work! 

These impact neighbours will freely discuss successes and failures in building ecosystems, including how this happens in challenging socio-political contexts. They’ll also present best practices and learnings from 25+ countries, including Ukraine, Palestine, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, Serbia, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova and many more. 

Expect inspiring stories, controversial discussion and bold ideas. Expect impact for breakfast, khachapuri for lunch and new connections for dinner!

Talk of the block

Impact in the Neighbourhood is all about community wisdom and first-hand accounts. The event will cover topics like: 

  • How to build an impact ecosystem from the ground up
  • How to set up impact funds and create access to finance for impact businesses – even with seemingly few resources available
  • How to build lasting public-private partnerships with corporates, banks, municipalities or state authorities 
  • Policy frameworks for more impact entrepreneurship 
  • Differentiating factors for traditional vs. impact investment  
  • Impact finance for social entrepreneurs: what it is, why it matters and what it takes to get it done in new or challenging markets

In the interconnected world, common ideas and approaches can travel easier and faster. But it takes a neighbourhood get-together to make it happen!

Practical Information

Venue

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace

20 Telavi St, Tbilisi 
 

Sheraton Tbilisi

How to get there

The conference venue is easily accessible by Tbilisi Metro Line 1 to “Samasi (300) Aragveli” metro station.

Agenda Overview

agenda

Day 1 Sessions

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Registration

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Welcome to the Neighbourhood

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Do it or leave it? Impact investment in volatile context

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Demystifying impact investing

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Lunch

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Betting on banks and financial institutions

What can banks do to create impact and what does that mean for your work? Four financial institutions share their experience, knowledge and journey towards impact with you. All from a very different context, but with very additional challenges and opportunities: financial institutions can be instrumental in shaping impact ecosystems, often intervening in areas where others are less willing to enter, such as challenging topics or geographies. Join us to see what makes a bank a smart bet for impact.

 

Public authorities as ecosystem builders

 Strategic alliance with state authorities to make the country or municipality focused on building an ecosystem for impact investment: it’s a dream of many. However, the road is bumpy, full of traps and political power games. Those who have been on this mission for many years (and still working on it!) will share their experiences

 

Spectrum of capital: from grants to equity

Different level of development of impact businesses and social entrepreneurs requires flexibility with regards to financial instruments. Impact investors come up with creative approaches, blended instruments to fit the development needs of the company, and to address investors' expectations. We will explore some creative models, that work especially well for emerging markets, where those concepts are very new. (moderator)

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Coffee break

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Legislation for impact – option or necessity?

Impact investing or social entrepreneurship are often regulated differently than typical businesses. Lack of definitions or an overly rigid approach can impede the development of impact ecosystems. Luckily, there are various approaches to creating policy frameworks, which this workshop will investigate – join to hear speakers and participants share their perspectives on impact legislation.

 

From venture capital to impact investing

Pioneer impact funds in central, eastern and southern Europe have been established by experienced venture capital or private equity investors. What has happened now that they’ve moved from traditional investing to impact? The same funds became strong ecosystem builders and encouraged other investors to join the space. Why? How did they do it? And why should others take on the ecosystem building effort, too?

 

Investing in green

Mitigation of climate change. Reduction of pollution and waste. Sustainable use of resources. Job creation in clean energy, circular economy and regenerative agriculture. As with all these examples, impact investment is often intertwined with green investing. Investment examples from MENA will inspire participants to broaden their perspectives – let's take the conversation beyond solar panels and recycling and talk green impact!

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Dinner & networking

Day 2 Sessions

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Welcome to the Neighbourhood - How can we build impactful ecosystem for change together?

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Coffee break

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Paying for results and making everyone happy

Discover the world of outcome-based payments and social impact bonds – and see why they’re more than just buzzwords in the impact space. Do they really work? What can we learn from successes and failures? What are the roles of state institutions and private stakeholders? We’ll discuss all these questions and more in a workshop setting.

 

Impact lessons from North Africa and Levant countries

How to make sure the funding programmes envisaging to support the social economy in the MENA region change things for the better on the long term? How to activate the whole social economy ecosystem? How to make the different stakeholders buy in the impact concept? And how to make impact on the ground sustainable on the long run? This panel will focus on lessons learnt, failures and main challenges from the MENA region. Join EVPA partner organisations as they discuss these topics and would like to hear from you how to make impact thrive in their region.

 

Companies as force for good - additionality in business world

Building a meaningful and long-term partnership with a corporate is a dream of many impact entrepreneurs. How can impact funds help their portfolio companies become links in the supply chains of big corporations? How they can prepare investees to be competitive? Is there a role for social procurement legislation to play? Join the workshop to find out!

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Lunch

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Impact Investing: boosting the pioneers!

Setting up an impact fund in a country where hardly anyone knows about impact investing is... complicated! Raising funds is even more challenging. Pioneers of impact investment in their countries will share their lessons learnt, but are also keen to learn about your insights and questions. Support the pioneers of impact with your input investments or be inspired to become one yourself! 

 

What’s the story?

How can impact investors harness the power of storytelling and smart messaging to amplify their work? Join us for real strategies on building awareness for the right audience – because, in our space, a good story has an impact!

 

Left, centre or right – does it matter where you play?

 Positioning of social entrepreneurship and impact investing in the national agenda or with a specific ministry has consequences on the perception of the topic, legislative frameworks and even access to financing. In this workshop, experiences from various countries will give inspiration and insights for policymakers and advocates for impact.

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Coffee Break

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Alliance for impact with public authorities – challenge or opportunity?

National advisory boards around the world have become powerful advocacy structures for impact.  Not only have they educated business and the general public about impact investment, they can also empower national governments to become impact investors, act as capacity building engines and support the impact ecosystem. Those who have built national advisory boards in their countries will share actionable insights from their successes and failures, including how to ensure financial sustainability, and valuable recommendations for those who want to move their countries to next level in the conversation.

 

Where is the pipeline of investible impact businesses?

 Some investors run acceleration programs themselves; some build good relations with university incubators or expand their team of market analysts. Different approaches produce different lessons and recommendations. If you’re unsure about the pipeline for your new fund, join the workshop to hear practitioner perspectives and insights.

 

Sizing impact - what really matters for impact investors

Exploring impact management and measurement (IMM) practices in venture philanthropy and impact funds. The first phase of the session is dedicated to deepen the understanding of IMM with the contribution of EVPA and two experienced speakers that will share their inspiring IMM system to be discussed with the audience. The second phase is a practical workshop where participants - divided into small groups - will have to work on a simple theory of change and discuss what are the main challenges related to managing impact.

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Wrap-up

Day 3 Tours

30 June | 10.00 or 14.30 GET

Tbilisi Walking Tour


Explore the signature sites of Tbilisi and discover the centres of cultural and social life during a two-hour guided tour. Learn more
 

> REGISTER FOR TOUR AT 10.00

(Price: 30 USD*)
 

> REGISTER FOR TOUR AT 14.30  

(Price: 30 USD*)

30 June | 14.30 GET

Hidden Corners of Tbilisi


On a two-hour tour, let yourself be enchanted by the hidden corners of Tbilisi, such as Asatiani Street or Gudiashvili - Dadiani Street, as well as Freedom Square and the City Hall. Learn more 
 

> REGISTER HERE 

(Price: 30 USD*)

30 June | 14.30 GET

Meet Georgian Social Enterprises


Visit Kodala, ESKI and Potteria, three Tbilisi-based social enterprises that are making a social impact in the areas of women's empowerment, labour integration of people with disabilities and social entrepreneurship ecosystem development. Learn more
 

> REGISTER HERE 

(Price: 35 USD*)

Line-up

Luciano Balbo
Luciano Balbo
Founder
Oltre Venture Impact Fund
Kristine Kandelaki
Kristine Kandelaki
Fund Manager
Actio Impact Fund Georgia
Björn Vennema
Björn Vennema
Co-Founder
Social Finance NL
Atieno Otonglo
Atieno Otonglo
Market Development Manager
GSG
Agnieszka Borek
Agnieszka Borek
Board President
Valores Venture Philanthropy
Anna Gulevska
Anna Gulevska
Chair of the Board
Ukrainian Social Venture Fund
Neven Marinovic
Neven Marinovic
Co-founder & Director
Smart Kolektiv
Pirkko Valge
Pirkko Valge
CEO
Good Deed Foundation
Ingrid Schwaiger
Ingrid Schwaiger
Deputy Head of Unit, Regional Cooperation Neighbourhood South
European Commission
Zeineb Fakhfakh
Zeineb Fakhfakh
Managing Director
Impact Partner Tunisia
Florian Ott
Florian Ott
Social Banking Development
Erste Group
Alena Kalibaba
Alena Kalibaba
CEO
Ukrainian Social Venture Fund
Besan Abu Joudeh
Besan Abu Joudeh
CEO
Build Palestine
Gevorg Poghosyan
Gevorg Poghosyan
CEO
Impact Hub Yerevan
Rana Eltanbadawy
Rana Eltanbadawy
Enterprise development manager
Enroot
Lama Amr
Lama Amr
Executive Director
Build Palestine
Tatia Jajanashvili
Tatia Jajanashvili
CFO
Micro Business Capital (MBC)
Alessandro Miraglia
Alessandro Miraglia
Team Leader - Networking and Communication Facility
MedWaves
Vera Egreja Barracho
Vera Egreja Barracho
Strategic Advisor
Portugal Inovação Social
Virginie Cossoul
Virginie Cossoul
Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations
European Commission
Ana Akhlouri
Ana Akhlouri
Project Manager
For Better Future
Sandro Liluashvili
Sandro Liluashvili
Founder
TENE social enterprise
Eka Urushadze
Eka Urushadze
CEO
CSRDG
Renata Brkic
Renata Brkic
Managing Partner
Feelsgood Capital
Eric Buckens
Eric Buckens
Director
ABN AMRO
Justine Palermo
Justine Palermo
Head Of Investment
Inpulse
Natia Kalatozishvili
Natia Kalatozishvili
Analyst
Finance in Motion Georgia
Lukasz Mikulec
Lukasz Mikulec
Head of Labour Market and Social Inclusion Unit
Ministry of Development Funds & Regional Policy of Poland
Ia Gabunia
Ia Gabunia
Program Manager
Civil Society Institute (CSI) Georgia
Sergiu Gurau
Sergiu Gurau
Executive Director
Eco-Răzeni Moldova
Ioana Samoil
Ioana Samoil
Romania Country Rep & Program Lead
NESsT
Elemér Eszter
Elemér Eszter
Managing Partner
Impact Ventures
Olga Maksimova
Olga Maksimova
Impact Manager
VIA Fund Armenia
Vakhtang Lomjaria
Vakhtang Lomjaria
Head of Municipal Department of Economic Development
Tbilisi Municipality
Anna Patton
Anna Patton
Managing Editor
Pioneers Post
Diana Lapkis
Diana Lapkis
CEO
New Door
Oumel Ghit Guelzim
Oumel Ghit Guelzim
Chief Operating Officer
Happy Smala
Abdellah Mallek
Abdellah Mallek
Founder and Managing Director
SYLABS
Silke Horakova
Silke Horakova
Co-founder and Partner
Tilia Impact Ventures
Onur Ilhan
Onur Ilhan
Secretary General
Impact Investing Advisory Board (EYDK), Turkey
Suha Abdul Rahim
Suha Abdul Rahim
Country Director in Jordan
Alfanar
Hoa-Binh Adjemian
Hoa-Binh Adjemian
Deputy Head of the Thematic Unit
DG NEAR, European Commission
Valeriia Tkach
Valeriia Tkach
Communications Manager
SILab Ukraine
Fadel Zayan
Fadel Zayan
Investment Director
Alfanar
Salome Kusiani
Salome Kusiani
Executive Director
Social Enterprise Alliance Georgia
Lia Tabatadze
Lia Tabatadze
Social Entrepreneur
Social Enterprise BABALE
Ines Khedira
Ines Khedira
Head of Curriculum Development
New Silk Roads
Katie Bentivoglio
Katie Bentivoglio
Head of Business Development
New Silk Roads
Afef Ajengui
Afef Ajengui
Senior Program Manager
Tunisia Foundation for Development
Roberta Bosurgi
Roberta Bosurgi
CEO
EVPA
Ewa Konczal
Ewa Konczal
Market Development Lead
EVPA
Dragan Stojanovski
Dragan Stojanovski
Director of Marketing and Communications
EVPA
Alessia Gianoncelli
Alessia Gianoncelli
Director of Knowledge and Programs
EVPA
Anamaria Bacsin
Anamaria Bacsin
Head of Membership Development
EVPA
Martijn Blom
Martijn Blom
Impact Funds Advisor
EVPA
Andreja Rosandic
Andreja Rosandic
Stakeholder Manager
EVPA
Nazareth Seferian
Nazareth Seferian
Project Manager
EVPA
Gianluca Gaggiotti
Gianluca Gaggiotti
Knowledge Manager
EVPA

Partners

Media Partners

Registration is now closed.

Thank you for your interest in the Impact in the Neighbourhood conference. We have reached the conference capacity and are no longer accepting registrations.

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Collaborate for Impact is led by EVPA, Europe’s investing for impact network, alongside pioneering partner organisations in the region. Impact in the Neighbourhood is hosted by the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG).