Empowering social entrepreneurs with digital skills

Recognizing that technology and digitalization are key drivers of a sustainable future, Microsoft Austria has partnered with Social Impact Award (SIA) to promote digital skills for social entrepreneurs. The Microsoft Social Entrepreneurship Program provides access to technology, technical training and mentorship, and go-to-market resources. Together with SIA, Microsoft is helping to foster a network of changemakers who address pressing social issues. The Microsoft-SIA partnership not only nurtures the growth of individual projects, but also contributes to a broader culture of social entrepreneurship and community engagement in Austria.

Creating meaningful change with Social Impact Award

Social Impact Award is the largest education and incubation program in Europe, dedicated to promoting social entrepreneurship among young people. Each May, SIA selects the ten most promising social ventures to participate in a three-month incubation program from July to September. The best ventures are then awarded prize money at an award ceremony in early October.

Over 8,000 young people from around 20 countries participate in the SIA program each year. In Austria alone, SIA has helped develop more than 120 social and environmental ventures.

Fostering social entrepreneurship in Austria

Microsoft and SIA have partnered to support early-stage social entrepreneurs in developing and implementing innovative business solutions that tackle societal challenges. Microsoft is extending the reach of SIA in Austria with digital skills training and support for the SIA startup incubation program.

Microsoft and SIA kicked off their collaboration in March 2022 with a free program of interactive workshops. Participants were able to immerse themselves in the world of social entrepreneurship, working together to develop project ideas for social and ecological impact and to sketch out the business model of a social venture based on these ideas. In a keynote address, Microsoft HR Manager and Diversity & Inclusion Spokesperson Ingrid Heschl shared insights and tips on how to use technology for social good.

To promote the digital skills of aspiring and experienced social entrepreneurs, Microsoft and SIA Austria followed up this event with the webinar series “Tech Skills for Impact.” Experts from Microsoft Austria led three webinars, each focused on a particular key competence at the intersection of digital technology and social entrepreneurship:

• Cloud computing as a tool for enhancing impact
• Cybersecurity and data management for social enterprises
• Sustainability and digital transformation

The webinars targeted social entrepreneurs from all industries and along the full spectrum of venture stages, from the idea to implementation and growth.

Microsoft Austria is working with the Social Impact Award team to grow social entrepreneurship in our datacenter communities. Through digital skills training, expert mentorship, and support for the SIA award ceremonies, Microsoft is helping to extend the reach and effectiveness of the SIA program, empowering more young social entrepreneurs to create meaningful change.