A few months ago we moved Impact Hub Jakarta to a new location, and at the opening event I was reminded of the buzz and energy that comes from a room full of people — and possibility.
This is actually our third location, and you might be wondering how we survived the pandemic. It’s a valid question. As a place-based coworking space and community hub, our core value has always been bringing changemakers together physically - to work, to connect, to collaborate.
While it was tough to radically pivot the way we delivered our work during the pandemic, it challenged us to do things differently and clarified our value proposition. I believe we’re better for it now. Here’s why:
1. We built our capacity to deliver support online.
One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to create a great cohort experience, maintain program quality, and forge strong relationships with each entrepreneur — virtually. We grew our skills in facilitation and online production, and even created an in-house studio for video and podcasting. We also found that some aspects of programming are actually better online, including systems for monitoring progress and streamlining check-ins.
2. We attracted more diverse entrepreneurs across Indonesia - not just Jakarta.
With programs delivered online, we were able to reach entrepreneurs who are typically underrepresented in entrepreneur support programs — from Central Java to Aceh, and even Papua. Traditionally, many incubators require in-person attendance for sessions and mentoring, which limits participation to Jakarta-based startups.
3. We strengthened our internal operating system.
When our office became virtual overnight, we had to invest in more rigorous systems to work more efficiently, transparently, and collaboratively. We co-created shared principles for “ways of working” remotely as a team and implemented data-driven systems that we continue to use today. Our ways of working are now codified more explicitly embedded in our cultural DNA.
4. We centered wellbeing and flexibility in the team experience.
This has always been important to us, but during the pandemic we learned how to be more human online and more intentional about checking in on each other’s wellbeing. We created space in virtual meetings for personal connection, joy and care. These practices continue today, and we’ve adopted a more hybrid approach to working from our offices - enabling greater flexibility for team members who have become new parents or who embrace less conventional working hours.
Don’t get me wrong — we’ll always have a physical space and we still believe deeply in the power of people connecting in person. It’s part of our DNA and a core ingredient in building trust and real relationships that enable our programs to succeed. At the same time, we’re now more considered about when our programs truly require in-person connection (eg: at the beginning and end of programs) and where flexibility better supports entrepreneurs as they grow their startups.
In an age of digital everything, it’s increasingly rare to have the power of an open door — a place anyone can walk into, meet a human, and ask for help. Whether you’re a new social entrepreneur just starting out, or visiting Jakarta from abroad and looking to get to know the local impact ecosystem, that matters. We’re now one of the few entrepreneur support organisations in Jakarta that still has a physical office open to our community, members, and incubatees.
So while our (red) open door remains powerful, we’re grateful that the pandemic pushed us to evolve into a stronger, more agile, and more inclusive organisation - for both our entrepreneurs and our team.
