Marc Impact Programme Part2

Interview with Johann Heep (co-initiator of “Marc – Make a change. Leave a mark”)

How does Marc differ from other programs?
Marc is aimed exclusively at impact and not at purely profit-driven startups or enterprises. It provides tailored, impact-oriented consulting, connects participants with relevant investors and support networks, and offers long-term support through a regional impact community. Unlike typical business accelerators, Marc comprehensively supports impact-driven enterprises in achieving sustainable growth—even across borders—by providing the right tools, mentors, investors, and networks tailored to their mission.

Who is Marc particularly suited for?
Marc is designed for experienced impact-driven enterprises that combine entrepreneurial thinking with a strong social or environmental mission – or wish to develop both. It is particularly suitable for:

• Impact-first companies or startups – aiming to grow sustainably and achieve deep impact
• Impact-oriented tech startups – for example, in the fields of health, sustainability, education, or culture
• Social enterprises focused on integration and employment – especially those that employ people from disadvantaged backgrounds (often referred to as WISE: Work Integration Social Enterprise)
• Non-profit organizations running social businesses – organizations generating sustainable income through business activities
• Companies with organic, natural, or traditional values – from sustainable agriculture to eco-friendly products and traditional production methods

The key requirement: You want to grow both economically sustainably and with a focus on impact.

What do participants receive?
Depending on their needs, participants receive the following support:

• Individual development plans
• Group trainings and bootcamps to learn new skills and encourage exchange with other participants
• Consulting from experts in the program partners’ extensive pools
• Business modeling and financial planning to strengthen growth and financial viability
• Individual mentoring, both onsite and online
• Pitch training and an invitation to the pitch event “re:Marc” in front of international impact investors and ecosystem supporters

Depending on participants’ needs, the Marc team provides up to 30 hours of consulting per impact company plus many additional contact points.

Marc is a “finance-readiness” program. What do you mean by “finance-readiness” and how does Marc contribute?
Scaling impact to a level that makes a real difference is hardly possible without access to financing beyond family and friends. Marc therefore supports the growth ambitions of impact-driven companies that are ready to seek external financing.

“Finance-readiness” describes the state of a company being able to secure external financing or investment and repay it. The program helps participants find the right financing at the right time.

How divers is the program and do you have information on participants’ gender, background, industry, etc.
Yes, we do. Our participants represent different genders, come from different cultures, and operate in various impact fields. These and further insights will be shared in our upcoming Impact Report. Until then, we can point to our Marc alumni/ae on our website.

The second round begins in autumn—how and where can founders apply?
For Marc’s second round, applications are open until September 14, 2025 (11:59 PM CET) in Austria and until September 29, 2025 (11:59 PM CET) in all other countries via our website: https://marc-impactprogramme.net/

Do you plan to stay in contact with alumni/ae, and are there ideas for future events?
After receiving feedback from participants in the first round that alumni/ae activities would be helpful to stay in touch, exchange experiences, and support each other, every program partner will organize such activities. These may range from quarterly onsite meetings to online calls.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the Marc Impact Programme or about finance and funding in general?
We are very proud of our participants’ achievements and promote them through our communication channels to raise awareness and increase impact. Marc functions as a development platform and is supported by ERSTE Foundation and Erste Social Finance, all local Erste Banks with their social banking units and numerous savings banks, program partners (in the pilot year: Impact Hub Vienna, Synerb, SIMPACT, IFUA Non Profit), experienced experts, impact investors, and volunteers.

Thank you very much for the interview!

About Johann Heep
Johann Heep supports the development of social banking activities in all markets of the Erste Bank Group in Central and Eastern Europe. He has contributed to several projects on financial inclusion in the field of microfinance and social entrepreneurship. He also managed Austria’s most recent Social Impact Bond and evaluates the impact of international social banking activities. Together with ERSTE Foundation, he develops support services and programs for social banking clients. Johann is co-initiator of the new international growth program “Marc – Make a change. Leave a mark” for high-impact enterprises.

Further information, links, etc.

Marc Website: https://marc-impactprogramme.net/

Marc General information: marc@simpact.hu

Marc Austria: darya.makshyna@impacthub.net

LinkedIn: Marc Impact Network: Über uns | LinkedIn

Erste Group Social Banking: Social banking – Step-by-Step | Erste Group Bank AG

Erste Social Finance: Social Finance