Impact Hub: Growing Entrepreneurship Across Spain
What Is Impact Hub?
Impact Hub is an international network of coworking spaces that started more than 20 years ago. In Spain it has been active for 15 years and now operates in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Donosti, Lisbon and the newest addition, Alicante. The idea is simple: provide a place where people can work together, share ideas and turn those ideas into projects that help the community and the planet.
A New Home in Alicante
The Alicante office opened recently with the help of a local entrepreneurial team called Genion, led by Esther Navarro and Diego Tomás. This space is not just another desk‑rental spot; it is a platform that connects entrepreneurs, supports social projects and encourages sustainable innovation in the region.
How the Network Works
Spaces as a Platform
For Impact Hub, the physical offices are the starting point, not the end goal. The real value comes from the community that gathers there—people who collaborate, mentor each other and launch initiatives that have a positive impact.
Who Uses the Hub?
- Start‑ups and small businesses looking for advice and connections.
- Big companies that want to run open‑innovation or CSR programs.
- Public administrations seeking partners for local development projects.
- Freelancers and students who need a inspiring place to work.
Programs and Success Stories
Supporting Female Talent
One of the flagship programs is “The Break,” which aims to attract and develop women entrepreneurs.
Mission in Andalusia
Impact Hub also runs the “Mission in Andalusia” project, creating innovation hubs focused on mobility, agriculture, port logistics and video games.
Working with Known Brands
Through its network, Impact Hub has collaborated with companies such as BlaBlaCar and Velcar, helping them test new ideas and reach new audiences.
Where the Money Comes From
Impact Hub’s income is split into three main parts:
- Contracts with public administrations and large corporations for open‑innovation or CSR activities.
- Consulting services for small and medium enterprises as well as bigger companies.
- Membership fees and usage fees from the coworking community itself.
This mixed model allows the hub to stay financially healthy while keeping its focus on social impact.
Looking Ahead: AI and Social Entrepreneurship
Antonio González, the coordinator for the peninsula, believes that the rise of artificial intelligence will blur the line between tech‑focused and socially‑focused entrepreneurship. He sees AI as a tool that can help solve local challenges—like water management in Alicante—while also being relevant worldwide.
Because Impact Hub is present in more than 120 cities, about 40 % of its projects already have an international angle, making it easier for talent to exchange ideas across borders.
Conclusion
Impact Hub shows that coworking can be much more than shared desks. By combining physical spaces with a strong mission to support entrepreneurship, sustainability and innovation, the network helps turn ideas into real‑world change. Its recent opening in Alicante is just one example of how the model adapts to each city’s needs while staying connected to a global community of changemakers.
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es