Hatchathons
Are you nursing an entrepreneurial idea for social impact, but don’t know how to get it started (much less fund it)?
Is your church ready to move a social enterprise idea down the field that funds other aspects of ministry?
Could you use the wisdom of others to test-drive an idea for missional entrepreneurship - or are you just curious about what’s involved in starting a sustainable non-profit or for-profit ministry?
In the USA, Ministry Incubators organise 'Hatchathons' in various cities using a church building for a 2 1/2 day intense session. Budding entrepreneurs from many churches from around the area attend the event.
A 'Hatchathon' is for any faith-inspired team or solo innovator who is ready to take their idea out into the world. It is a collaborative incubator experience, where creative people get coaching and colleagues around mission and social enterprise. It is a 46-hour intensive “hatch” process designed to turn ideas that feel “wild ‘n’ woolly” into actionable, sustainable ministries.
Attendees are immersed in a collaborative process that helps clarify missional focus, ministry goals and activities, budget and financial model as they start translating their idea for ministry into action. They will also create an initial “pitch deck” to communicate the concept to stakeholders and funders.
Ministry Incubators have developed many resources including games to help structure this process. So far, 236 projects have been incubated at Hatchathons and they have delivered 2,567 coaching hours and served 369 ministries (1/2025).
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Whilst Ministry Incubators do not operate in the UK, a more-online equivalent here is CREO, who help Christian Entrepreneurs advance their ventures through tailored coaching, practical programmes & peer community.
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Geoff Knott, 12/03/2025