Building Businesses with Soul

Economy of Francesco – Incubator for Non-Extractive Organizations

Imagine an incubator where your entrepreneurial spirit unites with a powerful purpose: building a business that enriches society rather than extracting from it.

The EoF CREATE Non-Extractive Organizations Incubator (NEOi) will be held on Krapanj Island (Croatia) from May 12-18, 2025. This one-week program combines practical startup incubation with the timeless wisdom of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), offering both a hands-on and contemplative “entrepreneurship retreat” for founders.

You will delve into the principles of Non-Extractive Organizations (NEOs), exploring topics like the Silicon Valley model, organic growth vs. hypergrowth, bootstrapping, and sustainable finance. We will apply systems thinking and provide a solid grounding in alternative ownership structures such as Steward Ownership and cooperatives. You will also discover how CST principles like the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity can shape every aspect of your business.

But it’s not just theory. The incubator offers practical training in Lean Startup, Business Model Canvases, “Mom Testing”, and pitch training. One-on-one mentoring and group work will help you turn your ideas into a concrete business plan.

We also aim to cultivate whole entrepreneurs by creating space for personal reflection, daily Mass, meditative practices like the Rosary and Examen, and theological mentoring.

If you’re an (aspiring) entrepreneur - young or old - seeking to build a business that makes a meaningful impact, the EoF NEOi is your launchpad. It’s a chance to create a startup that not only thrives but contributes to a more just and sustainable world.

Apply HERE.

Deadline: May 1st, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.