Impact Hub Oakland

Impact Hub Oakland is a member-based community and coworking space located in the Downtown Oakland area, near the Oakland City Hall and Jack London Square. As part of the global Impact Hub network, which includes locations like Impact Hub Berlin and Impact Hub Madrid, Impact Hub Oakland provides a platform for social entrepreneurs, innovators, and activists to connect and collaborate. The organization is inspired by the work of pioneers like Buckminster Fuller and Muhammad Yunus, who have made significant contributions to the fields of sustainable design and microfinance. Members of Impact Hub Oakland have access to a network of like-minded individuals and organizations, including Ashoka, Skoll Foundation, and Social Enterprise Alliance.

● History

Impact Hub Oakland was founded in 2014 by a team of social entrepreneurs, including Konda Mason and Tory Stephens, who were inspired by the success of other Impact Hubs around the world, such as Impact Hub Amsterdam and Impact Hub Zurich. The organization has its roots in the social entrepreneurship movement, which has been shaped by thinkers like Howard Zinn and Naomi Klein. Since its inception, Impact Hub Oakland has been supported by a range of organizations, including The California Endowment, The San Francisco Foundation, and The East Bay Community Foundation. The hub has also partnered with local institutions like University of California, Berkeley and Mills College to provide resources and opportunities for its members.

● Mission and Values

The mission of Impact Hub Oakland is to support and connect social entrepreneurs and innovators who are working to create a more just and sustainable world. The organization is guided by a set of values that include social justice, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. These values are reflected in the work of members and partners, such as Van Jones and Majora Carter, who are leading efforts to address issues like climate change and economic inequality. Impact Hub Oakland is also committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has partnered with organizations like The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and The Sierra Club to advance these goals.

● Programs and Services

Impact Hub Oakland offers a range of programs and services to support its members, including coworking space, meeting and event facilities, and access to a network of mentors and advisors. The organization also provides training and development opportunities, such as workshops and seminars, on topics like social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and design thinking. Members have access to resources and tools, such as Salesforce and Asana, to help them launch and grow their ventures. Impact Hub Oakland has also partnered with organizations like The Nature Conservancy and The World Wildlife Fund to provide opportunities for members to engage in conservation and sustainability efforts.

● Community and Events

Impact Hub Oakland is home to a vibrant community of social entrepreneurs, innovators, and activists who are working to create positive change in the world. The organization hosts a range of events, including conferences, workshops, and networking receptions, which provide opportunities for members to connect and collaborate. Impact Hub Oakland has also partnered with organizations like The Clinton Foundation and The Gates Foundation to host events and conferences on topics like global health and education. Members have access to a range of community resources, including online forums and social media groups, to stay connected and engaged with one another.

● Location and Facilities

Impact Hub Oakland is located in the Downtown Oakland area, near the Oakland City Hall and Jack London Square. The organization's facilities include coworking space, meeting and event rooms, and a range of amenities, such as high-speed internet and printing and copying services. The hub is also located near a range of public transportation options, including BART and AC Transit, making it easily accessible for members and visitors. Impact Hub Oakland has also partnered with local businesses, such as Blue Bottle Coffee and The Trappist, to provide discounts and perks to its members.

● Impact and Partnerships

Impact Hub Oakland has made a significant impact in the Oakland community, supporting the launch and growth of numerous social ventures and initiatives. The organization has partnered with a range of local and national organizations, including The City of Oakland, The Oakland Unified School District, and The Corporation for National and Community Service. Impact Hub Oakland has also been recognized for its contributions to the field of social entrepreneurship, including being named a B Corporation and a Best for the World honoree. The organization continues to work with partners like The Skoll Foundation and The Ashoka Changemakers to advance its mission and create positive change in the world. Category:Social entrepreneurship