How it works

We support entrepreneurs (whether their ventures are for-profit or not-for-profit) who are making significant positive social impact and have a specific issue they’d like to discuss with one of our Experts.

To be eligible to meet with one of our Experts;

You need to be able to demonstrate that your work makes an impact in at least one of the areas identified in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Your venture needs to be post-launch, with a proven business model, and ready to scale.

You can be based anywhere in the world. If this sounds like you then apply now.

Fill in the application form here. It takes about 10 minutes.

We cannot guarantee introductions to specific Experts, but we do spend a lot of time and energy thinking about who would be a good fit for each venture and issue.

However, there is a section in the application form where you can state a preference for one of our Experts and include a reason why you think they would be a good fit for you.

The average length of time between applying and meeting an Expert is 2 months.

Although we spend a lot of time and energy thinking about who would be a good fit for each venture and issue, you are under no obligation to go ahead with the meeting if you are unhappy with your match.

We make sure both parties are happy before we set up any meetings.

You spend an hour discussing business challenges with one of our Experts. Since coronavirus, meetings are happening virtually via video link. You can talk about anything you’d like with the one house rule that you cannot ask the Expert to invest in your venture. You get the chance to build your network and borrow the brain of a high profile successful entrepreneur to find new perspectives and interesting solutions to your business issues. We will also mention your venture in our communications and invite you to events to meet other entrepreneurs.

Absolutely nothing. Expert Impact is a charity and our Experts give their time for free.

No. The first time you meet them will be the day of your hour-long session. We’ll make sure that they’re briefed on your company and why you want to talk to them. Also we’ll help brief you on how to get the most out of the session before it happens.

Currently all meetings are happening via video conferencing app Zoom.

The sessions last for an hour.

To get the most out of the session we’d recommend you firstly prepare a short verbal summary of you, your venture, its impact and a maximum of three issues you’d like to discuss, addressing the most important one first.

It will be useful to have examples of solutions you’ve already thought of and tested and specific topics you’ve like to cover.

An hour is a decent amount of time for a meeting but it can pass in a flash – it’s worth preparing to make sure you both have enough material to discuss, and also that you have sufficient structure that you get through everything that matters to you.

We will help you prepare for the session if your application is successful.

Typical requests for support cover areas include customer acquisition, HR and team growth, business development, strategic planning, raising investment, good governance and technology.

Everything you share during the sessions is protected using the NDA agreement that everyone in the programme signs and your meeting will take place privately. You can speak freely – that’s the point of the exercise!

Yes. We expect our Experts will have a lot of helpful contacts that will be relevant to you and your business. Ask away!

We’ll ask you to complete a feedback form.

You’ll also become part of our Alumni Network, a group of peers who have also used the Expert Impact mentoring service from whom you can seek support.

We host several events annually where our alumni can network and get informed on core business topics. You and your venture will also feature on our website.

We may also check in with you further down the line to see how you’re getting on or to request help with content.

Yes, a member of the Expert Impact team will be on hand to talk to answer any questions after the session. You’ll also become a member of the Alumni Network and can use the group for ongoing support.

In exceptional circumstances (such as the coronavirus epidemic, which has brought significant challenges) people have been offered the chance to meet with another Expert. These are considered on a case by case basis.

We really hope you will. Some social entrepreneurs and Experts have continued their relationship beyond the Human Lending Library session but we can’t guarantee it. It’s like any relationship – it depends if there is a rapport on the day and if both parties want to stay connected. We’ll help you to consider how to do this as part of the pre session briefing.

Any organisational or business matter can be discussed. The only rule is that you cannot ask for investment for your venture.