Is there a better way to do business?
Almost 10 years ago, a group of changemakers in the Waikato found themselves asking exactly that.
They were frustrated with the idea that profit was the only measure of success. Instead, they envisioned businesses that could drive positive social and environmental change.
But, no central place existed for like-minded individuals to collaborate and make this vision a reality.
So, they began searching for a model that could bring their ideas to life. That search led them to Impact Hub - a global network designed to support and connect people working to make a difference.
In 2019, after extensive research and a lot of hard work, Impact Hub Waikato became the first Impact Hub in New Zealand.
Since then, Impact Hub Waikato has grown hugely. We’ve established two co-working spaces - one in Hamilton and another in Tokoroa, supported over 100 impact entrepreneurs to grow or scale their businesses or changemaking initiatives through our programmes, and enabled thousands of local changemakers to grow their skills, confidence, and capacity through our events and workshops.
We’re proud to have become a home for innovators, entrepreneurs, and anyone committed to creating meaningful change.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to closing the gap between profit and impact, harnessing the power of business as a tool for good, and mobilising our growing community of changemakers for positive change, right here in the Waikato.
As part of the global Impact Hub network, we’re connected to over 100 hubs in 60 countries, working together towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Journey So Far
2015
Our story begins as a group of changemakers in Waikato ask if there’s a better way to do business, and seek a model that blends profit with purpose.
Early 2019
After years of dedication, Impact Hub Waikato is established, becoming Aotearoa’s first Impact Hub and marking a new era in socially conscious business.
Mid 2019
We opened the doors to our Central Hamilton co-working space, providing a vibrant environment for innovators and changemakers to connect and collaborate.
Early 2020
We launched our inaugural entrepreneurial accelerator program, empowering 8 impact entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to grow their ventures.
Mid 2020
We launched our second accelerator programme, helping changemakers connect and upskill.
2021
We opened the doors to our second co-working space in Tokoroa, creating a hub for entrepreneurship and digital skill development in the South Waikato.
2021
We launched a climate action incubator, supporting changemakers across the region to develop their ideas for a more sustainable future.
2022
In response to evolving work trends and post-Covid changes, we took a strategic pause from our Hamilton space to better align with new networking and meeting dynamics.
2024
In collaboration with Seed Waikato, we opened a new community co-working space Hamilton - a dynamic environment designed for connection, collaboration, and inspiration.
Wherever you are in the world, when you enter an Impact Hub co-working facility, you will find a buzzing community, filled with all kinds of people - social entrepreneurs, startups, employees of partner companies, students, and more. Impact Hub Waikato is no exception.
Hamilton
We recently opened the doors to Hive 11: our brand-new community co-working space, developed alongside Seed Waikato.
Located in the heart of Frankton, Hamilton, Hive 11 hopes to bring together diverse individuals and organisations committed to making a positive impact. It features hot desks, meeting rooms, and event spaces, and is designed to inspire connection, collaboration, and collective action, to create an equitable future where everyone is thriving.
Visit us at 11a Somerset Street today, and find out about how you can make Hive 11 your professional home away from home.
Tokoroa
Our South Waikato Inspiring Space is located on Swanston Street, in the centre of Tokoroa. This multi-storey modern, yet comfortable Space features flexible co-working spaces, meeting rooms, event facilities, and a Digital Space, and serves as a central hub for budding entrepreneurs from Tokoroa, Putāruru, Tīrau and Arapuni.
Each day, entrepreneurs, freelancers, advocates, campaigns, artists, consultants and more, come along to work, participate in our dynamic events and workshops, and collaborate with others.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent office, one-off meeting room, or a casual hot-desk, we’d love to have you join us.
