The Changemaker Chronicles

A REDpreneur Newsletter

Dear Friends of REDpreneur,

We are pleased to share with you the relaunch of our Newsletter. Having finished a successful year filled with milestones and achievements, we dedicate this publication to looking back on 2024. We wish you a pleasant read!

Team REDpreneur, Austrian Red Cross

A Year of Growth

By Elin Baranyai-Ulvestad

REDpreneur Team Lead

"2024 was a year of growth and strengthening our ecosystem. With an emphasis on innovation, collaboration and sustainability, REDpreneur actively contributed to and supported the development of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement, laying the foundation for an even more sustainable and transformative future.

With this first release of our new Newsletter, we proudly present the milestones achieved last year. From carrying out training cycles, to hosting hybrid events and launching a new project in Ukraine, we thank all those who joined us in our journey so far and eagerly welcome REDpreneur newcomers. Our community has grown significantly in the past year, with new alumni, supporters, partners and experts expanding our network of changemakers, collectively leading more positive impact in the RCRC Movement and beyond!

With the growth of our team and expanding partnerships, we look forward to future collaborations and initiatives. Thank you to all our supporters, partners and participants; your trust makes this possible.

We hope that 2025 comes with even more inspiration, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Happy reading and have a good start into 2025!"

REDpreneur Facts and Figures 2024

REDpreneur offers business skills and enterprise development support to the RCRC Movement and beyond for more impact, innovation and sustainable service delivery.

This global capacity building program provides social entrepreneurship trainings, mentoring and networking in both online and hybrid formats, empowering staff and volunteers from RCRC National Societies (NS), local NGOs and entrepreneurs.

Participants gain practical skills to create impactful services and products that address key social and environmental challenges, while diversifying income streams and reducing reliance on grants.

In 2024, REDpreneur completed two training cycles, consisting of the Global Master Class, as well as a Ukrainian Master Class, supporting a total of 69 participants.

30 Venture teams from 12 countries successfully graduated from our Master Class 2024, proving to be investment-ready and joining our newly established REDpreneur Alumni Network. Moreover, the next Global Training Cycle of REDpreneur began in November 2024 and is currently ongoing.

Master Class Global 2024

The Master Class Global 2024, which took place from January 25 to April 19, 2024, welcomed 33 participants and 15 Venture teams from 12 countries. REDpreneur had the pleasure of hosting an in-person workshop and culmination event in Vienna together with experts and changemakers from all over the world. Find out more about the Venture Alumni here.

Master Class Ukraine 2024

The Master Class Ukraine 2024, which took place from January 31 to May 9, 2024, welcomed 36 participants and 15 Venture teams from various branches of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS). REDpreneur had the pleasure of carrying out an in-person workshop and culmination event in Lviv, Ukraine, with experts and changemakers from all over Ukraine. Find out more about the Venture Alumni here.

Training Academy Global 2024 – 2025

This cohort, currently underway with 57 participants and 23 Venture teams, will conclude in February 2025. With strong interest from Europe, Africa and the MENA region, we are especially proud to welcome, for the first time, Venture teams from the Caribbean. Each team is eager to strengthen, expand or launch new business cases, driving impact through social entrepreneurship. We look forward to supporting these ambitious Venture teams on their journey and hope to see many of them advance to the Master Class, kicking off in April 2025!

Implementing Partners

The REDpreneur team from the Austrian Red Cross would like to thank its implementing partners! These dedicated professionals help guide and support REDpreneur participants on their entrepreneurial journeys. We want to especially thank New Paradigm Ventures, Relevant Ventures (Content & Design Lead), Impact Hub Vienna (Global Cohort Management), and tech2impact (REDpreneur Ukraine). Learn more about the team here.

Testimonial

“...the program is excellent, and you were even better in your approach to us who are learning. You are a team that conveys knowledge so smoothly, you explain even the most complicated things, using the simplest vocabulary.
...you gave us excellent tools and experience to work on our projects and initiatives.
...Selfless sharing of knowledge and a warm working environment. Great experts in your work. “

Karolina Kraljić
Socijalna zadruga Humana Nova, Croatia
Global Training Academy 2024-25 Participant

REDpreneur 2024 Data Summarized

In the Global Training Cycle:

A completed Master Class with 33 participants in 15 Venture teams from 12 countries.
An ongoing Training Academy set to conclude in February 2025, with currently 57 participants, 23 Venture teams from 21 countries set to graduate by February 2025.
Participants in 2024 per region:
- 43 from Europe
- 12 from Africa
- 10 from the MENA region
- 10 from South Caucasus
- 8 from The Carribean
- 3 from South America
- 3 from Asia
- 1 from North America
Post Cycle Support:
- 15 Growth Support check-ins
- 4 matchmaking sessions with external funders

In the Ukrainian Training Cycle:

A completed Master Class with 36 participants in 15 Venture teams from URCS branches.
Two ongoing cohorts including:
- A post-program mentorship support with 40 participants in 15 Venture teams.
- Livelihood Support with 25 participants.

As REDpreneur introduces new projects and Training Cycles, we expand our reach and presence. The following map indicates where our past (in red) and present (in pink) participants are based and where REDpreneur impact can be found.

REDpreneur.UA Project Launch

By Alessia Sasina

and Julia Eichhofer

REDpreneur grew in 2024, both as a program and as a team. As a result, we were able to successfully launch a new localized project in Ukraine, REDpreneur.UA, with the help of our Ukraine Program Manager Alessia (left) and our Ukraine Project Manager Julia (right). Find out more here.

Empowering Ukrainian Entrepreneurs:

REDpreneur.UA Expands with New Cohorts

The first pillar of the REDpreneur.UA program is set to transform Ukraine’s entrepreneurial landscape by supporting 100 promising business founders through a competitive selection process. In collaboration with local business incubators, the initiative provides tailored business development assistance, inspiration sessions, an online Training Academy, Master Classes and valuable networking opportunities. Selected entrepreneurs will have the chance to receive grants ranging from €5,000 to €15,000 to accelerate socially impactful businesses that foster innovation and economic growth. The first cohort has already begun its journey, with 25 entrepreneurs preparing to pitch for seed funding this February. Meanwhile, 25 participants of the second cohort are currently being selected and will kick off their training in February 2025. This initiative is powered by the School of ME, a hub for conscious entrepreneurship, and the Ukrainian Future Business Incubator, a leading innovation center that connects startups to global opportunities.

Driving Social Impact:

REDpreneur.UA Empowers Ukrainian Red Cross Teams

As part of the National Society Development (NSD) initiative, fifteen URCS branches have received grants and coaching to build sustainable business models that enhance social, health and protection services for conflict-affected communities. Through the REDpreneur.UA Program, URCS teams are currently establishing social enterprises, such as social laundries, psychosocial support spaces and affordable clothing stores, that provide critical services while ensuring long-term financial stability. The program also established a strong mentorship network, connecting participants with experienced professionals from relevant fields to guide them in business development, financial strategy and operational sustainability.

On November 20-21, 2024, REDpreneur.UA hosted a workshop in Kyiv titled "Social Entrepreneurship at the Level of Ukrainian Red Cross Organizations: Financial and Marketing Tools", where teams presented their business ideas and received expert guidance on legal, financial and strategic planning aspects of social entrepreneurship. With the grants now secured, participants are moving forward with launching and scaling their social enterprises, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable communities. Despite the ongoing conflicts, REDpreneur.UA continues to foster innovative solutions that integrate social entrepreneurship into humanitarian aid, creating lasting impact and resilience. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of these inspiring initiatives!

In the map below you can see where REDpreneurs of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society are located.

Introducing RED Hub:

A Dual Approach to Social Innovation

As part of the REDpreneur.UA Program, a URCS Business Incubator, now known as RED Hub, is prepared to be launched as a hybrid initiative, operating both as a digital platform and a physical space to maximize impact and efficiency. Its mission is to empower individuals and communities to develop sustainable social enterprises, that address critical societal challenges through education, ecosystem support and expert guidance. Rooted in the core principles of the Red Cross, RED Hub fosters a culture of social entrepreneurship that promotes inclusion, resilience and lasting positive change for vulnerable communities in Ukraine.

To lay the groundwork for this transformative initiative, REDpreneur.UA will conduct a comprehensive context analysis. This essential step will help understand the needs, opportunities and key partnerships crucial for the success of the RED Hub. By assessing the current landscape, we aim to tailor the platform’s offerings to the specific challenges and opportunities within Ukraine’s social innovation ecosystem, ensuring the RED Hub’s programs are relevant, impactful and aligned with local community needs.

Below you can see the pillars of the future URCS Business Incubator (RED Hub).

Social Entrepreneurship Meet-Up

From June 5–7, 2024, REDpreneur hosted the Social Entrepreneurship Meet-Up, initiated by the French and Spanish Red Cross. For the third time, and the first time outside France, 40 participants from 15 RCRC National Societies and the IFRC gathered in Vienna to exchange experiences on strengthening the RCRC economic model through social enterprise approaches. Discussions focused on best practices for fostering collaboration and unlocking new financing mechanisms, such as repayable financing and larger impact investments. The three-day Social Entrepreneurship Meet-Up 2024 was filled with energy, deep insights, inter-organizational connections and innovation!

Day 1: We shared examples of social entrepreneurship initiatives from National Societies worldwide. This helped establish a joint understanding of the role of social entrepreneurship in improving the financial resilience of our organizations and the communities we work with.

Day 2: We explored the status of impact investments and the impact economy outside of the RCRC Movement during the Impact Days 2024 at the Hofburg Palace, fostering valuable connections.

Day 3: Our final day featured a deep dive workshop️, connecting us with other organizations, to learn from their entrepreneurial approaches. We concluded with an internal reflection on insights and potential follow-ups within our organizations.

Held alongside Impact Days 2024, Austria’s leading impact investing conference, the event also provided valuable networking opportunities. The presentation of the report "How to Foster Social Entrepreneurship", featuring concrete examples of intra- and entrepreneurship within the RCRC Movement, was a highlight of this conference. See report below.

First REDpreneur Publication

by Christian Kloyber

REDpreneur Content & Growth Lead

"In a collaboration with the IFRC, French Red Cross and REDpreneur on behalf of the Austrian Red Cross, a report titled “How to foster resilience via social entrepreneurship” was published, with contributions from Growth Lead Christian Kloyber and Team Lead Elin Baranyai-Ulvestad.

This report explores how social entrepreneurship fosters resilience, enabling both communities and organizations to reduce their dependence on shrinking aid. Through best practices and innovative income-generating activities from across the network, it illustrates how social enterprise approaches are empowering National Societies and communities to build sustainable, self-sufficient models that lessen the need for external support."

New Community Offer

by Anna Compérat

REDpreneur Community & Event Manager

"This year, we expanded the REDpreneur Alumni Offer to foster long-term engagement, learning and collaboration among our growing network of humanitarian entrepreneurs. In June, we celebrated the transition of 33 Master Class Global 2024 graduates into the Alumni Community at our first-ever Alumni ceremony.

We launched a dedicated Alumni Platform, providing access to key resources, networking opportunities and Growth Support Sessions. Our Alumni Hours covered topics from financial sustainability to well-being and female leadership, featuring expert guest speakers. While these have been a great success, we’re now taking things a step further!

With our REDpreneur network now surpassing triple digits, we’re excited to broaden our Community Offer, bringing together not only our Alumni but all friends and partners of REDpreneur!

Our new Community Offer will go beyond the Alumni Hours, introducing fresh opportunities, an expanded format and more ways to connect and learn. Stay tuned!"

Streamlining

by Mathias Brosenbauer

REDpreneur Process Optimizer & Marketing Support

"As a program of innovation, it is essential that REDpreneur embodies this value. We put in the time and effort to ensure that our processes and digital presence are of a high standard. Thereby, streamlining and modernizing the systems, tools and communications of REDpreneur, to enable a more efficient and effective program delivery.

As a result, the new and improved REDpreneur website was launched, showcasing all that REDpreneur has to offer. Developed through a collective team effort, the updated website features improved Venture Alumni visibility, opportunities for involvement, this newsletter, and an extensive display of REDpreneur content—all presented with a fresh and modern aesthetic. See the new website here!"

New Colleague

As REDpreneur continues to grow, we warmly welcome a new member of our team, Patricio Angelo Ulreich. Having served his civil service at the Austrian Red Cross department of International Cooperation, Patricio then joined REDpreneur to provide technical assistance, with a particular focus on supporting REDpreneur initiatives in Ukraine.

Alongside this role, Patricio continues his studies at the University of Vienna, pursuing a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology.

REDpreneur Moves to the Austrian Red Cross

Humanitarian Innovation Lab

Lastly, concluding a remarkable year and eagerly entering the next, REDpreneur is proud to introduce its new homebase, the Humanitarian Innovation Lab (HIL) of the Austrian Red Cross.

The HIL is a dynamic, shared space dedicated to fostering humanitarian innovation within the Austrian Red Cross and we feel incredibly fortunate to have our offices here.

Innovation in the humanitarian context means tackling challenges with fresh perspectives and developing sustainable solutions that truly make a difference. By bridging our longstanding virtual creative space with this inspiring physical environment, we at REDpreneur are empowered to push the boundaries of humanitarian innovation.

Here, every idea has the potential to enhance lives and strengthen our shared mission. We look forward to welcoming you all here at some point during our exciting upcoming events!

Closing Remarks

Overall, 2024 has been a successful year filled with new exciting projects, fruitful collaborations, productive cohorts and growth within the REDpreneur team. We are proud of the progress achieved so far and take a fond look back at this memorable year as we enter a new and exciting era, together with all of you. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our implementing partners, funders and supporters without whom this program would not be where it is today. Our community continues to grow as we foster this social entrepreneurial mindset change in the humanitarian world.

Stay tuned with REDpreneur, subscribe to our Newsletter here and follow us on social media below.

Thank You!

REDpreneur is a program facilitated by the Austrian Red Cross, carried out by New Paradigm Ventures, Relevant Ventures and Impact Hub Vienna, with funding from the Austrian Development Agency, Nachbar in Not, ERSTE Foundation and Erste Social Finance Holding, supported by Vienna Insurance Group, Canadian Red Cross, Netherlands Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross, French Red Cross and more.