Nova School of Business & Economics (Nova SBE) has opened applications for a new edition of the Social Leapfrog capacity-building program. Applications are open until April 26 to social organizations headquartered in mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of Madeira and Azores.
At no cost, the program supports social organizations – including associations, cooperatives, Misericórdias, foundations, and other social economy entities – that aim to diversify their revenue streams through the sale of products and services, while balancing social mission and financial sustainability.
Over a three-year period, the program provides personalized support to selected organizations. Following an initial diagnostic, participants gain access to a tailored action plan covering areas such as governance, strategy, marketing, and operations. The program includes customized workshops led by faculty, consulting projects with students, master’s theses, internships, mentorship from management professionals, access to executive education, and other resources – mobilizing the entire Nova SBE community in service of social organizations.
Organizations interested in participating in the 6th edition of Social Leapfrog can attend an online information session scheduled for April 10 to clarify any questions. The 10 organizations selected by an external jury to join this edition will be announced on July 10.
42 social organizations supported since 2019
Since 2019, the Social Leapfrog program – part of the Social Equity Initiative, a partnership between Fundação ”la Caixa”, BPI, and Nova SBE, coordinated by the Nova SBE Leadership for Impact Knowledge Center – has supported 42 social organizations. More than 2,600 individuals, including members of participating organizations, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and partners, have been involved across the first five editions.
The first three editions have already concluded, involving 25 social organizations. The 4th and 5th editions are currently ongoing, with 17 organizations participating.
“The social sector has enormous potential for innovation and impact when organizations have the space to reflect, test new approaches, and strengthen their management, which translates into greater trust, structure, and strategic vision,” said Talita Feliciano, coordinator of Social Leapfrog. She added that “throughout the program’s different editions, we have seen organizations with extraordinary missions realize that generating their own revenue does not contradict their mission; on the contrary, it enables them to consolidate and grow. It is inspiring to follow these journeys and see how, with the right support, they can truly leap forward.”
Applications for the 6th edition of Social Leapfrog are open until April 26. Social organizations headquartered in mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of Madeira and Azores are eligible to apply.