FROM GLOBAL TO LOCAL
The idea behind Shine was to bring the Global Entrepreneurial Program to a local level, engage Swiss Re employees and create a positive impact in the countries where they work. Since its inception in India in 2018, Shine has expanded to seven additional countries: Brazil, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and, very recently, Southeast Asia. In each country, founders of early-stage social enterprises can apply and demonstrate a holistic understanding of a specific challenge in one of our two focus areas – climate change and access to health – and an innovative approach to address it.
The winning applicant undergoes an immersive learning program that brings them together with a diverse, skilled team of top talents from Swiss Re to develop a strategic, financially viable business plan. After the entrepreneur completes the program’s four modules over six months, the Swiss Re Foundation continues to support their progress in scaling up their solution and assessing their impact.
SHINE BOOSTS THE POTENTIAL OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN SLOVAKIA
In 2021, Slovakia became the second country where Shine was launched. Since then, three winning social innovators undertook a transformational journey together with 23 Swiss Re experts. The most successful supported project was Dorka Bags, the winner of the third edition of Shine. Their unique eco-sensitive social program reduces waste by recycling old advertising banners and giving them a second chance to be re-used as a bag or purse with a story behind.
Dorka Bags operates in Košice and Prešov, providing employment opportunities for vulnerable individuals through its bag production. Since 2016, the enterprise has supported these individuals not only within its tailoring workshop but also in the broader labor market. In collaboration with its partners, Dorka Bags takes a systematic approach to help build societal resilience in Slovakia, with a focus on ending family homelessness.
Through the Shine Program, Swiss Re experts and Dorka Bags collaborated to design three new prototypes, boost client engagement, develop a detailed business plan, and secure a grant for further growth. As a positive outcome, we also helped enhance their visibility and expand their network, leading to new partnerships and collaborations.
WHEN LARVAE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD WASTE
This year’s topic is something truly exceptional: insect-based waste management. The social innovator, Parkan Crudes, is set to revolutionize the agricultural sector by using black soldier fly larvae to convert their frass into fertilizer and produce larva-based protein powder for animal feed.
“Shine offers a well-structured and comprehensive program that goes beyond typical accelerators. The diverse and motivated team really gave me a strong sense of confidence in the success of our startup. Their support combined with the depth of the program provides the perfect foundation for future growth.” Sais Erik Nickmann, the founder of Parkan Crudes.
OPPORTUNITY AND PRESTIGE FOR THE EMPLOYEES
The Shine program is not only skills-based volunteering, but also a learning and development program. We are investing in carefully selected participants to develop their business and entrepreneur thinking and leadership skills. Our experts share the knowledge and experience with the innovator. At the same time, thanks to Bookbridge coaches, they learn by doing and bring gained skills back to their teams. Once the program is over, participants become Shine alumni and may influence future programs and social innovations in Slovakia.
At Swiss Re, we strongly believe in the power of entrepreneurship to catalyze change and address societal challenges at scale. By projects like Shine, we actively contribute to our mission to make the world more resilient.
Zuzana Szalaiova, CSR & Strategy Specialist, Swiss Re Foundation Representative
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