The organisation acknowledged the importance of establishing a community where aspiring changemakers can develop their concepts, establish a scalable entity, and become social entrepreneurs. It was this necessity that prompted the establishment of the Incubator Program in 2017. The programme serves as a catalyst for the non-profit sector, encouraging skilled and passionate leaders to address critical challenges faced by underprivileged individuals in the nation. The programme focuses exclusively on incubating non-profit organisations (NFPs) across various thematic domains.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of the project was to assess the impact of the programme on the incubatees in terms of their skills, knowledge, inspiration and networking. In addition, the project aimed to understand how the incubator would impact the start-ups with respect to readiness in terms of product, execution and capital. On the whole, the aim of the engagement was also to understand the impact it had on the wider social ecosystem and the wider organisational structure of the incubators.
SATTVA”S APPROACH
Sattva conducted an impact assessment study of the programme to measure its impact on the ground using a mixed-method methodology approach. The framework adopted and contextualised for the study was based on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) principles.
Sattva assembled a team of members from diverse backgrounds, including health, education, livelihoods. This multi-disciplinary team brought extensive expertise and capabilities to ensure a comprehensive and informed evaluation for each programme.
STAKEHOLDER PROFILE
For the purpose of this study, quantitative data collection was done with 40 incubatees, and qualitative data collection was done with 15 incubatees and 14 ecosystem stakeholders (which include mentors, donors, and sector experts).
Sattva conducted the programme assessment using a descriptive cross-sectional design, and qualitative approach. Data collection involved surveys, interviews, and rigorous analysis. The duration of the study was 24 weeks, tailored to the specific programme and location. Digital forms using google forms were used. Each incubatee was interviewed over a virtual call and their responses were recorded.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Incubatees reported an overall increase across all knowledge areas. There was a positive impact of the program on their awareness of knowledge areas, which only increased post the completion of the program. The sharpest rise was on their understanding of scale. Founders reviewed the bootcamps very favourably in terms of giving them an introduction to the sector and various aspects related to an early stage organisation.
Overall, the qualitative interactions with incubatees, sector experts, donors, and mentors yielded several useful insights which, when triangulated with quantitative data, helped develop some areas of improvement for the programme. Sattva recommended increasing mentor and network access for incubatees in a manner that they could reach out to any of the Nudge’s mentor networks as feedback received across the board. On the mentorship aspect, it suggested that Nudge can consider organising some of the bootcamp sessions which deep dive into thematic areas with respective sector experts.
PROJECT DELIVERABLES
The project deliverables included a comprehensive insight deck and a concise executive summary. The findings from the assessment will influence the programme design improvements, and will also be used in sourcing funding to continue the programme.
IMPACT
The project was aimed to induct exceptional founders into the sector, and raise their aspirations and potential for disruption; to expand the ecosystem in support of early-stage non-profits; to provide tailwinds for start-ups selected for incubation, and accelerate their learning, strategic clarity and potential for success. Sattva’s assistance aimed to assess the impact, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of the programme, providing valuable recommendations to enhance the outcomes, in order to allow the programme to meet its desired objectives in the most impactful way possible.
