The Economy of Francesco incubator for Non-Extractive Organizations
From May 12–18, 2025, the serene Franciscan monastery on Krapanj Island, Croatia hosted the first-ever Economy of Francesco (EoF) Incubator for Non-Extractive Organizations (NEOs) — a groundbreaking retreat for aspiring entrepreneurs, economists, theologians, and changemakers dedicated to building a more just and sustainable economy.
This one-week immersive program was organized as part of the broader Economy of Francesco movement, which gathers young people from around the world inspired by Pope Francis’s call for “an economy with a soul.” Guided by the values of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and deeply rooted in spiritual practice, the incubator empowered participants to develop business ideas aligned with the common good, ecological balance, and human dignity.
Participants came from across Europe to explore how businesses can operate without being extractive — in other words, without exploiting people, nature, or communities. Using the knowledge and insights from Dr. Melanie Rieback, the incubator focused on practical tools and frameworks that challenge conventionalp culture.
Throughout the week, attendees were guided through:
• Non-extractive business modeling using the Leanp and Business Model Canvas approaches.
• “Mom Testing” – a method for validating ideas through honest user interviews.
• Pitch preparation and storytelling for mission-aligned ventures.
• Ownership alternatives, including Steward Ownership and Perpetual Purpose Trusts, as ways to structure companies for long-term purpose, not short-term profit.
Alongside workshops and expert mentoring, the program offered daily Mass, silent reflection, and spiritual accompaniment, reminding participants that transformation of the economy begins with the transformation of the heart. The integration of spiritual life with professional formation was a signature feature of the incubator.
Speakers and mentors included a powerful mix of practitioners and thought leaders:
• Melanie Rieback (Radically Open Society, NL)
• Fr. Sylvester Ndzelen Berinyuy, theologian from the Dicastery for integral human Development (Vatican)
• Annika Schneider (Purpose Foundation, DE), advocate for steward ownership
• Alessandra Viscovi, impact finance expert from Italy
• Goran Jeras, cooperative finance leader (Croatia)
• Dawn M. Carpenter, theologian of work (USA)
• Feliks Lukas, sport entrepreneur (Croatia)
The incubator culminated in final pitch presentations, where participants showcased their ventures — from ethical food businesses to regenerative tourism to educational platforms rooted in CST. Special attention was given to supporting African participants who face greater structural barriers top success.
More than just a training event, the EoF Incubator created a community of practice — a network of innovators who are now equipped and inspired to bring non-extractive enterprises into their local contexts. It demonstrated that a “business with a soul” is not a utopia, but an achievable, replicable reality.
Following the success of this inaugural incubator, the team now plans to replicate the model globally in partnership with the EoF Foundation — bringing this unique blend of faith, entrepreneurship, and social justice to new regions.