help alliance Impact Lab Porto - powered by Impact Week

Calling Portuguese Social Enterprises Making a Difference!

Are you ready to take your social or environmental enterprise to the next level? 🚀

The help alliance Impact Lab, powered by Impact Week, is here to empower you!

In collaboration with help alliance, the social innovation expert of the Lufthansa Group, and Impact Week, a professional partner specializing in Design Thinking, we’ve created an Incubator Program designed to foster social innovation and drive long-term change. Together, we are committed to equipping startups with the tools and mentorship needed to create sustainable solutions that benefit communities and the environment.

Why Join ?

 

  • Kickstart your journey with a 5-day bootcamp full of fresh perspectives and high energy. 
  • Access the knowledge of international experts from the corporate world during a 6-month remote coaching phase.
  • Work on your business challenges with a dedicated Impact Coach.
  • Connect with a network of like-minded social businesses.
  • Completing the Impact Lab may open the door to potential funding and partnership opportunities from help alliance for start-ups that meet the funding criteria.
Requirements for start-ups

We invite early-stage start-ups that are committed to addressing social and environmental challenges within society. Participants should align their initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a clear focus on driving positive change and contributing to a more sustainable future.

You are a great fit if your start-up is…

  • A Social or environmental enterpris or non-profit in the pre seed stage (minimum)
  • Based in Portugal
  • Struggling with a current challenge, that can be tackled with the support of an international corporate team
What to expect in Porto?

Porto is a driving force in Portugal’s startup scene. The city is home to some of the top Portuguese startups, and has attracted a number of larger scale-ups and global players, including 8 unicorn companies which have established technology centres in Porto. 

The help alliance Impact Lab Porto 2025 – powered by Impact Week is a comprehensive coaching program that begins with a compulsory, intensive 5-day bootcamp on-site in Porto from 13 – 17 of October 2025. The goal is to equip your MVP-stage team with the tools, frameworks, and strategies to refine your offerings and align with market needs, paving the way for scalability and sustainable impact. 

During the Bootcamp

  • Immersive Learning: Interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and peer collaboration to refine your MVP, identify market gaps, and strengthen your business model.
  • Hands-On Coaching: One-on-one sessions with experienced Impact Coaches to tackle your most pressing challenges.
  • Practical Tools: Learn actionable strategies for user acquisition, fundraising, operational efficiency, and impact measurement.
  • Showcase Opportunity: Work on a strategic roadmap and present your vision to mentors, peers, and potential partners for feedback and guidance.

During the 6-Month Coaching Program

  • Ongoing Support: An online coaching program with additional learning sessions, as well as regular online check-ins with the Impact Coaches to track progress and overcome roadblocks.
  • Tailored Guidance: Receive personalized advice on scaling your operations, refining your product, and securing funding.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with a global network of like-minded social entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

Working with Impact Coaches – A Valuable Resource for Your Start-up

In the Impact Lab, you will be supported by experienced Lufthansa Group employees who will act as Impact Coaches and will accompany you on equal footing. They bring in their professional expertise from their professional background, also their Lufthansa Group experience, while helping you further develop your own ideas, explore new perspectives, and find creative solutions. Through challenging questions and reflective input, they strengthen your entrepreneurial mindset and enhance your potential for social impact. The collaboration is based on trust, openness, and mutual learning – offering you meaningful support on your journey to driving real social change.

Outcome

By the end of the program, you will have a refined product aligned with market needs, a sustainable business model, and a clear strategic roadmap for growth. You have connected with people from the industry for insights and potential collaborations. 

Costs for Start-Ups

The program is free of charge. Food will be provided during the workshops. 

Travel costs to Porto and accommodation have to be tackled by you. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your ideas into impactful solutions. Let’s shape a sustainable future together!

Program Overview

 

01.09.2025 Applications close for Impact Coaches
07.09.2025 Start-up applications close
17.02.2025 Pre-Selection of start-ups
22.09.2025 from 9 am – 12 Shortlisted startups pitch to Impact Coaches
onsite on 13.10. Matching of start-ups and Impact Coaches
13.10.2025 – 17.10.2025 5-day bootcamp onsite in Porto (business trainings & workshops with international experts)
20.10.2025 – April 2026 6-month coaching phase begins, featuring learning modules (remote)
TBD April 2026 Final presentations with a chance to get funding
How to apply as an Impact Coach?

As an applicant, please fill out the following form expressing your interest. We will review the applications and create a shortlist of suitable candidates. 

In the kick-off-call you will get a chance to meet the pre-selected start-ups and present yourself. After the kick-off, we will make our final decision and pair the start-ups and Impact Coaches according to their preferences. 

 

As we gear up for help alliance Impact Lab, we invite like-minded individuals from around the world to join us in this transformative journey. 

Apply until September 1 to secure one of our limited spots as an Impact Coach for a promising start-up!

Conditions for Impact Coaches

The participation fee for the program is €1,900 + local costs such as accommodation in a double room, airport transfer, and food (costs are TBD). 

Not included in the price are travel costs to and from Porto, visas, vaccinations, and recreational activities.

We are open to discussing a special price if you are joining on your private time, or are part of a local company. For any questions, please contact Laura Single and Milena Mai. 

Please note that as of now, this program is exclusive for participants from the Lufthansa Group. 

Do you have further questions?
Carolin Taenzer carolin.taenzer@impactweek.net Organizer, questions os start-ups
Milena Mai milena.mai@dlh.de Questions about Mentorship
Laura Single laura.single@dlh.de Questions about Mentorship
Andrea Quintero andrea.quintero@impactweek.net Marketing Communications