Impact Hub Houston
Empowering diverse changemakers to build a more just and sustainable world through inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.
Focus Areas: Social Impact Ventures • Inclusive Innovation • Ecosystem Building
Audience: Entrepreneurs, Startups, Community Leaders, Ecosystem Builders
Tools: Accelerators, Mentorship, Fiscal Sponsorship, Community Events, Global Network
Mission
Impact Hub Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and empowering individuals who are actively working to solve social issues, with a focus on issues affecting historically underserved and under-resourced communities, on a global scale.
Why It Matters
Houston's diverse and dynamic landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Impact Hub Houston addresses these by fostering a collaborative environment where social entrepreneurs can thrive. By providing resources, mentorship, and a global network, they enable changemakers to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also equitable and sustainable.
Alignment with The Change Lab
Impact Hub Houston's commitment to inclusive innovation and community empowerment aligns seamlessly with The Change Lab's mission to foster civic engagement and systemic change. Their programs support pathways such as Civic Literacy, Community Voice & Power, and Coalition & Collective Action, making them a valuable partner in building resilient and equitable communities.
🎯 Key Programs & Initiatives
Code for Houston: A civic tech initiative that brings together technologists and community members to develop solutions for local challenges.
FF-START (Female Founders Start): An accelerator program designed to support early-stage women entrepreneurs in validating their business models and preparing for investment. Guidestar
Emprende Impacto: A pre-accelerator program offering culturally competent startup training for Hispanic entrepreneurs, providing resources in both Spanish and English. Guidestar
Fiscal Sponsorship: Allows individuals and groups to receive grants and donations without establishing a separate nonprofit, facilitating quicker project launches. houston.impacthub.net
Greater Houston Support Stack: A coalition of incubators and accelerators providing coordinated support for entrepreneurs, enhancing access to resources and capital. Ion District
Strategic Alignment
Service Area Domains:
🏛 Governance 🏠 Basic Needs 🏥 Health 🏫 Education 🌎 Environment 🤝 Community ⚙️ Systems Change 🔄 Cross-Cutting
Pathway Subjects:
Civic Literacy
Storytelling & Narrative
Bridging Across Difference
Community Voice & Power
Public Advocacy
Coalition & Collective Action
Engagement Pathways:
• Attend a Civic Meetup
• Join a Civic Team
• Organize Around a Local Issue
• Participate in Local Art/Storytelling Events
🧩 Role in the Ecosystem
Engagement Role(s):
✅ Lead Org ✅ Advisor ✅ Field Site ✅ Research Partner ✅ Backbone Org ✅ Community Ally ✅ Funded PartnerLevel(s) of Engagement:
✅ Level 1: Awareness & Access
✅ Level 2: Exploration & Expression
✅ Level 3: Participation & Practice
✅ Level 4: Advocacy & AccountabilityFrameworks:
✅ Intersectionality ✅ Belonging & Inclusion ✅ Systems Thinking ✅ Civic Imagination ✅ Trauma-Informed Engagement
Context
Geography: Houston, TX – Serving Greater Houston Area
Population Focus: Historically underserved and under-resourced communities, including women, minorities, and immigrants
Stage of Relationship: Active Partner
Notes: Relocated to The Ion District to enhance collaboration and accessibility within Houston's innovation ecosystem.