What is The Impact Collab?+
The Impact Collab is an ecosystem of people contributing to something bigger than themselves. We're built around connection, collaboration and contribution: we connect with each other, collaborate on ideas and opportunities, and contribute to our own work, each other's growth, our communities and the wider world. Membership is month to month, with no lock-in contract, and capped at 150 members.
Who founded The Impact Collab?+
I did! I'm Abbey (she/they), an immigrant, a parent, a proud part of the LGBTIQ+ collective and an optimistic activist, living on the unceded lands of the Gadigal People in Sydney.
I've climbed the corporate ladder, then taken the leap into self-employment. One startup started and failed, one didn't even get off the ground, and my third was a coworking space, Seed Spaces. That's where The Impact Collab was born.
We're on a mission to find the recipe for a service business that delivers consistent, reliable, decent income, from anywhere, on our own hours, with more time on the parts we love. It's building a business on hard mode, and it takes a collective. With our powers combined, we can crack it.
You don't have to build alone to build something that matters. That's what this base camp is for.
Come say hi on LinkedIn! I'd love to meet you.
Who is The Impact Collab for?+
The Impact Collab is designed for impact-led founders, experts and micro-sized service providers across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. Impact Founders run mission-led businesses that contribute directly to positive outcomes for people, communities or the planet. Experts and Service Providers bring skills in areas like sales, marketing, operations and strategy that help other businesses grow.
What does it cost?+
Membership is $79 a month. For this round, a trial costs $144 and runs for three months from the day it starts. If you join when it ends, your $79 is locked for as long as you stay. Prices go up after this round. There is no GST.
Is the membership price the same for everyone?+
Yes. There is one membership price for everyone, whether you're a founder, expert or service provider. Your path inside the community depends on your scorecard.
Is there a lock-in contract?+
No. Membership is month to month, with no lock-in contract.
What happens after I apply?+
We read your application. If it fits, we will set up a conversation with Abbey about your goals, where you want support and how the community works. If accepted, you book your first Expert Pod to confirm your place. If a member referred you, name them in your application, because it improves your chances of an interview. A place is not guaranteed because someone applies.
When does my trial start?+
Once you are accepted, your trial starts on your onboarding call or when you book your first Expert Pod, whichever happens first.
How do I book my first Expert Pod?+
You book your Expert Pod as part of confirming your trial place. Your trial starts when you book your Expert Pod or on your onboarding call, whichever happens first. Once your pod is booked, you can book your onboarding call. Onboarding calls run on Tuesdays at 1:30pm Sydney time, and the last one for this round is Tuesday 24 November.
How do Expert Pods work?+
An Expert Pod is a small group led by an expert member, with up to three peers. Everyone shares, and everyone learns from each other. You book your own Expert Pod as part of confirming your trial place. You will join up to four attendees, chosen for peer learning, and one expert who focuses on the part of your business that needs help. Pods run in two parts, which gives you the best chance of following through.
Which Expert Pods can I join?+
Topics are announced about a month before each pod. Priority access needs an application, and approved applicants get early access. Any remaining places open to the public two to three weeks before the event, and they are limited and rare.
How many places are available for new members?+
We welcome 20 new members each quarter until we reach our cap of 150. That gives everyone time to get to know each other and gives us room to get the fit right. A place is not guaranteed because someone applies.
Do I have to attend every event in the community?+
There's no fixed curriculum. During your three-month trial, it's expected that you join at least one Expert Pod so you can see how it works. After that, take the opportunities that suit you.
Is there a break in programming?+
Yes. Live programming pauses from 21 December to 11 January, and your trial runs through the break.
Is there a way to try the community for free?+
Yes. Join a Monday Yarn event online, free for your first visit, such as speed friending or Connect with an Expert. Details are on our public events calendar. If you'd like to try the whole community, you can also apply for a three-month trial for $144 (no GST). Applications are only open for a few weeks each quarter, so keep an eye on the dates. Rounds are two to three months apart. Once we reach our cap of 150, we'll only offer places as they become available.
What is the Global Goalies Project?+
Through the Global Goalies Project, each paid membership creates the opportunity for an impact founder or organisation to access six months of community connections, expertise and practical learning. Global Goalies are founders and organisations working directly on a UN Global Goal. They complete a short application form, and a member needs to nominate them, except for the first 10 reserved places for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori founders, which do not need a nomination. Nominations happen in November and June. A Goalie term is six months and can be extended once. Global Goalies join to build skills and don't host. Access is an opportunity, not a promise of impact.
Are there solidarity discounts?+
Our Global Goalies Project offers majority subsidised places to organisations and people contributing directly to the UN Global Goals who do not have traditional access. Global Goalies join to build skills and do not have hosting opportunities. To become a Global Goalie, fill in the application form and have a member nominate you. We're also starting with 10 reserved places for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori founders. These are majority subsidised too and do not need a nomination. If you're applying for one of these reserved places, fill in the application form, then email yaama@impactcollab.com.au once you've submitted it to register your interest.
Do you track members' impact?+
Members choose the Goal they work towards when they join. Their impact happens in their own businesses. We don't track it yet, but we plan to.
What does hosting an Ask Me Anything involve?+
You teach a specific outcome you have achieved, and contribute four hours a year.
Can I join as an expert?+
Yes. Start with your first pod like everyone else. Before you can host your own pod, you attend a second pod and score 8 or higher on the relevant pillar (Product Design, Infrastructure and Systems, Influence and Visibility, Impact, or Wellbeing). Then you can host a pod in that pillar. Pods score 9.2 out of 10 from the members who attend them, and 7 in 10 attendees say they would hire or refer their expert.