Impulsum is a social entrepreneurship and innovation space in operation at Ecuador’s Espae Graduate School of Management. Adriana Amaya and Andrea Samaniego explain how the aim of this initiative is to establish connections between entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the local ecosystem, while fostering a global vision alliances Impactful
E spae, the Graduate School of Management of Espol University in Ecuador, was established in November 1983 as a post-graduate programme in business administration. It officially commenced activity in May the following year, offering a part-time MBA. The school’s focus is on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability, positioning it as a pioneer in many different fields. Espae’s mission statement explicitly incorporates the principle of “building communities of learning, innovation and knowledge generation, together with entrepreneurs, professionals and other stakeholders in society, to promote ethical and sustainable management and entrepreneurship.” The school believes that companies should have a more active and participatory role in contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which is why it is committed to generating impact through teaching, research and networking activities. Impulsum is a social entrepreneurship and innovation initiative devised by Espae in association with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium. The Impulsum office serves a broad spectrum of direct and indirect beneficiaries, including entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, companies with an interest in social innovation
and intrapreneurship, universities, support organisations and other stakeholders within the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. The overarching goal of this initiative is to establish connections between social entrepreneurs and other entities in both the local and international ecosystems, while fostering a global vision. The project aims to support social entrepreneurship initiatives by offering guidance and connections and is also helpful when it comes to obtaining resources. Additionally, Impulsum actively supports entrepreneurs to shape their business ideas, providing valuable services such as training and mentorship and hosting events that address the challenges and uncertainties faced by social entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it has significantly contributed to enhancing Espae’s value proposition. By engaging in various activities facilitated by Impulsum, students gain valuable experiences and support that augment their overall academic and entrepreneurial journey. This interconnected approach emphasises Impulsum’s commitment to equip and enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Espae. Empowering social entrepreneurs Social entrepreneurship, with its dual mission of creating positive societal impact and maintaining financial viability, faces inherent challenges within the entrepreneurial landscape. Overcoming these
26 | Ambition | MARCH/APRIL 2024
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