Business Cases
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Guinea-Bissau
Kau Criar
Kau Criar is a pioneering initiative that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in Guinea-Bissau, blending collaborative methodologies with specialised mentoring. Conceived as part of the Economic Resilience initiative by the UNDP Economic and Strategic Unit, the project established a physical space to spotlight local initiatives and bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on social innovation and sustainable impact.
The briefing
The challenge was to establish an operational hub that would drive innovative entrepreneurship in Bissau. Impact Hub Lisbon was tasked with developing a solid and sustainable business plan for Kau Criar, while ensuring it could become the central node of an innovation cluster. The mission required a deep understanding of local needs and a collaborative approach to foster connections between established
businesses, start-ups, and strategic stakeholders.
The strategy
Our strategy was centred on amplifying local voices and understanding the needs of Bissau’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Partnering closely with Impact Hub Bissau, we prioritised building local partnerships, fostering innovation, and identifying the critical resources required for small business growth. Furthermore, we maintained robust collaboration among all partners and stakeholders to ensure knowledge-sharing and strategic alignment for Kau Criar’s success.
The outcomes
- Research on Guinea-Bissau’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, including surveys, interviews, and benchmarking analysis
- Business Model co-created for Kau Criar
- Strategic consultancy to strengthen integration and innovation within the local ecosystem
- 5-day Bootcamp with Kau Criar’s team in Lisbon
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