Charting the path: how we frame impact

We believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for positive change, whether it’s transforming and changing what already exists or prototyping bold new ideas from the edges.

This work rarely takes a linear path, the effects are felt in different ways throughout society and challenges that rise up require different skills to shine at different times.

EHF Fellows are working on solutions that create environmental, economic, social and cultural impact in many ways from Aotearoa, New Zealand. They are active across diverse sectors from emerging technology to social justice, regenerative agriculture and food, health and wellbeing, education, finance and space.

Just like climbing mountains, this work requires resources, planning, focus, stamina, community support and the fortitude to keep learning and growing through tough times and setbacks. It is not just reaching the summit that counts. We want to recognise the work to create the path, and the value and impact made at each step along the way.

A visualization of the impact journey cycle shared among EHF Fellows

To better understand the end goals we all strive for, we have developed some milestones to help us orientate ourselves on this journey to creating impact:

1. Vision

It is through clarity of vision that opportunities are identified and resources mobilised.

We want to highlight the crucial work to confront issues and deeply understand challenges, distill learning, envisage solutions and communicate to inspire.

2. Action

It is challenging work to embrace the unknown with the heart and determination required to take the leap into action.

We recognise and support those who take the first bold steps forward and relentlessly test assumptions to identify viable solutions. 

3. Creation

It requires relentless energy and focus to create lasting, impactful solutions from the seeds of action.

We want to showcase this work, share the learnings, hardships and successes to inspire everyone on the journey to keep up the work together.

4. Reflection

Reflecting on projects built, solutions tested and changes made is what enables impact to continue to evolve and grow.

Let’s ask what change was made? What new opportunities were discovered? What worked? What didn’t? What do we do next? 

The Fellowship of entrepreneurs and investors gathered to this cause are all living and working through different stages of this journey. There are EHF Fellows busy working on radical ideas and systemic shifts in society, deeply practical meaningful innovations in mainstream industry and institutions. There are Fellows working to grow new emerging industries and transform what is possible in existing, entrenched systems. 

Regardless of industry, sector, or stage of maturity we want to share the stories of impact made with every step. We do this to create footholds for new ideas, build bridges to new connections and support that can amplify solutions and create positive global impact from Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Journey with us

Impact is a journey and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes a group of inspired, committed, and informed individuals to get a world-changing idea off the ground. You can help amplify EHF Fellow impact as they work to develop solutions to some of humanity’s biggest problems. Here is how you can join us in this work as we journey together on a path to a better world:

• Stay informed - Read, learn, watch, and stay up to date on the latest in impact innovation by signing up for our newsletter. 

• Amplify our impact - Share our impact stories with your networks and connect with our Fellows. Learn more about their projects here.