Entrepreneurs for Resilience

Our Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme fosters social enterprises that innovate to build a more resilient world in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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For many poor communities, the ability to safeguard health and livelihoods can easily come under threat from risks such as sickness, natural catastrophes, and the effects of climate change. Vulnerability to these risks encourages defensive, risk-averse choices, inhibiting the ability to plan, save, build, and prosper. 

Social entrepreneurs create positive change through new initiatives. They spread their solutions among communities, institutions, and the private sector. By looking for new models and systems, they create social value and change people’s lives for the better. 

The Swiss Re Foundation works to make healthcare accessible to underserved communities by supporting social enterprises that tackle challenges in healthcare which governments have yet to address. We see our role as de-risking the often rocky path that social enterprises must travel from promising demonstration to sustainable, scalable solution.

Find out latest details on the Entrepreneurs for Resilience here. 

What does the programme offer?

  • Funding

    USD 360 000 in grants, to be split equally among 6-8 candidates selected from the applicant pool after completion of due diligence visits.

    Up to USD 1m in blended funding, combining conditional and unconditional financing, will be shared among the selected finalists over a two-year implementation period.

    Potential eligibility for follow-on funding from the Philips Foundation or Sanofi Impact Fund.​

  • Technical Assistance

    The top 6-8 candidates will receive three days of technical assistance in impact measurement and management during due diligence phase.

    The 3-4 finalists will receive up to 20 days of structured technical assistance over two years.​

  • Network

    The winner, selected by a public online vote, will be invited to connect with potential investors at a Sankalp Forum event.

    The 3-4 finalists will access a network of peers to share knowledge on inclusive healthcare and gain enhanced visibility in the healthcare and investment communities. ​

Who is eligible?

  • Mission and purpose

    Applicants must show significant social impact and be able to measure it reliably. ​

  • Target group

    At least 30% of the customer base must be low-income populations. ​

  • Geography

    Applicants must operate in low- and middle-income countries as defined by the World Bank. ​

  • Revenue model

    Applicants must operate on a market-based model and demonstrate growth potential through earned revenue.​

  • Size

    Applicants must have been established by 2023, serve at least 50 000 people, and have the potential to reach 100 000 people within two years.​

  • Organisation

    Applicants must have a solid management team with well-defined responsibilities and a diverse workforce.​

Brick-and-click model: A package of services and insurance

A diagram illustrating the integration of various healthcare services around a centralized physical or digital/online primary care model. It includes various interconnected elements representing services such as health providers, patient support, social services, and technology-enabled care solutions.
Open Brick and click graphic in overlay

Learnings from the Entrepreneurs for Resilience portfolio

We commissioned an in-depth study to assess the field, identify emerging trends, and highlight the key characteristics and challenges of social enterprises.

Explore Learnings from the Swiss Re Foundation’s Entrepreneurs for Resilience Award portfolio

Previous editions of the Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme

Collaboration partner

DCCC
Logo of the Philips Foundation, featuring a blue emblem with a shield design on the left and the words "Philips Foundation" on the right in modern typography.