Spreading impact with Snowball Effect

Today’s world is full of challenges that need to be addressed. While many are searching for new ideas to tackle them, others believe that several solutions already exist. We spoke with Laure Brouard, founder of the Snowball Effect who is part of our community at Impact Hub Vienna, about ways to spread impact and disseminate existing solutions beneficially for all: entrepreneurs, existing companies, and societies.

What are we talking about when we discuss impact?

“For me, impact is when someone contributes to solving the most urgent challenges of today, whether they are environmental or societal,” shares Laure. She is one of the founders of Snowball Effect, an NGO that connects changemakers with start-ups wanting to scale their impact through replication. Currently, the Snowball Effect has connected 1,400 people with 50 solutions in countries like Austria, Egypt, Maldives, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Germany, and more. These projects fall within five categories: environment, inclusion, education, regional development, and health.

Spreading impact and proven solutions

Escalating impact doesn’t necessarily mean escalating an organization, this is one of the main ideas behind the Snowball Effect. On one hand, there are individuals who want to create an impact but don’t know where to start. On the other, there are those with a collaborative mindset who want to share their creations for a broader impact. Laure and her team connect these groups.

Over the years, the approach to achieving this has evolved. Currently, the Snowball Effect showcases potential replicable projects on their website and at the Solution Exhibition. “It’s a two-hour format that can be hosted in any school, university, or municipality worldwide. It has really taken off,” Laure mentions. The Solution Exhibition features 50 voices and posters with QR codes that narrate the impact of specific projects on people’s lives. In conclusion, Laure and her team foster a discussion about these projects, inquiring which solution inspired attendees the most and which they’d like to connect with. “We aim to immerse participants in the solution. When you’ve been immersed, it’s more likely you’ll adapt it to your context.”

All projects that are part of the Snowball Effect meet three criteria: they have a proven track record, they are replicable (meaning they are simple, easy to understand, and initiate), and they must be concrete ideas. Additionally, all projects should embrace a collaborative mindset and be open to sharing their knowledge.

Knowing Which Solution to Replicate

Social entrepreneurs have access to more solutions today than in the past, given the topic’s increasing relevance. Nevertheless, guidance can be beneficial. Laure offers some advice: “Find a problem that evokes strong emotions in you, whether positive or negative. Observe your surroundings and understand the landscape. Share your ideas, discuss them, engage with those who’ve been down that path, and learn from them. Attend events, and visit places like Impact Hub; that in itself is beneficial as many are eager to share their experiences. Lastly, don’t wait for a co-founder to begin. From our experience, starting on our own less us to find a co-founder,” Laure says. 

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