THE IMPACT HUB GENEVA
by Kristiana Psee
When you first arrive in Geneva as an expat, life can be pretty overwhelming, but exciting at the same time.
New city, new language, new culture, new everything. Maybe you’re looking for a job? Maybe you want to launch a start-up? Maybe you find it hard to integrate and you struggle to make friends and find likeminded people. When I first arrived in September 2017, I had no idea where to start. It was at this point that a Facebook post popped up and caught my eye:”Hubonauts wanted in Impact Hub Geneva”
I had no idea what a Hubonaut was nor what the Impact Hub was all about, but I was intrigued:
WHAT IS THE IMPACT HUB?
Impact Hub Geneva was founded in 2015 by Felix Stähli, Julien Clivaz, Amanda Byrde and Alexandra ‘Santu’ Boethius. It is a space where entrepreneurs and innovators come together to test and develop new ideas, develop their businesses and themselves, network and interact – connecting people from different sectors, industries and cultural backgrounds.
Globally, the Impact Hub has a vibrant learning community of 16,000+ members in 100+ Impact Hubs. They offer members start–up incubation programs, inspiring events and innovative workshops and courses.
IMPACT HUB IN GENEVA
Located in the heart of the city, just a few meters from Gare Cornavin in Rue Fendt, the Geneva Impact Hub is a place where everyone has the chance to share ideas, network and find like-minded people. There are 300+ active members in Geneva.
HOW THE IMPACT HUB CHANGED MY LIFE
Ashleigh Armstrong, the community catalyst of Impact Hub Geneva has her own story to share:
“Impact Hub Geneva changed my life. I moved from NYC to Geneva and struggled for 2 years. I struggled to find a job, find friends and to feel like I could make Geneva my home. When I became a Hubonaut, I was suddenly part of a community. When my marriage failed and I was left homeless, jobless, penniless and without language ability, it was my fellow community members who lifted me up by inviting me to share meals, offering a place to stay or a shoulder to lean on. I am naturally dedicated to our community because this community really invested in me as a human.”
WHAT TYPE OF PEOPLE DO YOU FIND AT THE IMPACT HUB GENEVA?
Impact Hub members come from different countries and cultures, but many of them, are locals too. Entrepreneurs, NGOs, anyone with ideas or working on sustainability and social projects – Anyonewho can share the values of the Hub and its community.
WHY JOIN THE IMPACT HUB?
The Impact Hub is much more than a co-working space; it is a community centre where members interact, based on their needs and interests. Some join for the capacity-building activities and opportunities, others to grow their business and network or to help with integration since language exchange is encouraged, as well as involvement in local associations and events.
There are various membership packages offered. Benefits include access to the members-only events and price reductions on room rentals, business help desks, workshops & programs. The different packages are based on how much you want to use the workspace and additional services and can be changed monthly.
HUBONAUTS AND WEEKLY EVENTS
Among the team, you will find the Hubonauts! This is how I got to know what Impact Hub is really all about. The Hubonauts are 20-25 volunteers who welcome new members, assist in the weekly events, prepare the super Sexy Salad every Tuesday (a weekly community networking lunch) or Le 4 heures on Mondays and Wednesdays (special home-made yummy desserts, for members only!).
I can tell you, my four months as a Hubonaut were full of exciting, fulfilling, bonding moments that helped me integrate into the local community.
I could tell you so much more about the Hub and the community which makes Impact Hub Geneva what it is. Every member who comes into the space to share their ideas and suggestions contributes to the formula which makes the Hub special.
If you want to find out more about Impact Hub Geneva, visit their site or just stop by and let one of the Hubonauts give you a tour 😉 You are always welcome!
Impact Hub has just opened its doors in Lausanne a few months ago too :
