Learning and Action Cohorts.
Learning and Action Cohorts unite EFN funder members in a collective journey, providing short- and long-term learning experiences and peer support with space to evolve from learning to impactful coordinated actions. Focusing on specific areas championed by an EFN funder member(s,) these teams seek to deepen understanding around a central topic, share resources and promising practices, identify issue experts who may add value to discussions, and coordinate joint activities.
EFN Cohorts are encouraged to share progress and insights through diverse channels within the network and the philanthropic sector at large, contributing to a dynamic flow of knowledge and experiences that may inform actions within the group, the broader network, or the home organizations of EFN funder members.
As a catalyst for cooperative action within the network, cohorts aim to create fertile ground for opportunities that advance equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems in ways that surpass individual capacities, propelling EFN into an active network for impact.
Below is an overview of some of EFN’s 2026 programmatic focus areas. In addition, EFN will create space to explore storytelling, policy and advocacy work, and learning opportunities to support funder members in their advancement of effective, equity centered practices in the field of entrepreneurship funding. If you are a funder that is interested in joining an existing Cohort, or if you have an idea for a future Cohort, please reach out using the button below.
Access to Capital
Solving for capital access involves an understanding of the landscape, systemic gaps and disparities, and possibilities that result from weaving together creative and innovative financial instruments. Maybe it’s AI integration. Perhaps it’s reimagining what bank underwriting could look like. Maybe it’s ownership through acquisition. This cohort of your peers is your space to interrogate capital and spark deep-dive discussion based on your curiosities and challenges.
Diving Deep into Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
As we build, strengthen, and support components of or whole entrepreneurial ecosystems, we need to decode and understand the DNA of standout ecosystems. Pursue the questions that are most relevant to your purpose and strategy, while exploring the drivers that may differentiate high-performing ecosystems from those that may be nascent or reaching for their full potential and the role of philanthropic funders and other capital providers.
Storytelling + Entrepreneurship
Stories connect us, lead to deeper meaning, and can create the foundation for actionable change. This hands-on cohort explores the art of ecosystem storytelling – capturing the intersections between entrepreneurs, community builders, and the foundations that support them. With guidance from skilled storytellers and professional communications staff, you’ll practice creating and sharing stories that amplify the strength of your ecosystem and the innovative spirit of the entrepreneurs within it.
Youth Entrepreneurship Community of Practice
EFN’s Youth Entrepreneurship Community of Practice (YECoP) examines the lifelong benefits of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset at an early age, creating unique learning experiences, and nurturing opportunities to experiment, practice, test, fail, and try again. Investments in youth result in positive impacts on community health and vitality. This YECoP will surface and explore the curiosities and interests of participants, learn from peers, deepen understanding of the vital role of youth entrepreneurship in robust entrepreneurial ecosystems, and tell the stories of inspiring and impactful youth work.
