A City Antenna is an informal local presence of the ImpactBuilders Foundation in regions where no City Chapter yet exists, or where a permanent City Chapter would not yet be appropriate. It is a small group of leaders who actively introduce executive and operational leaders between their own regional productive ecosystem and the wider European network.
About
What is a City Antenna?
Every City Chapter helps expand the Foundation’s European network by establishing City Antennas in regions where it can create value but where the conditions for a full City Chapter are not yet in place. A City Antenna hence is an informal local presence for the Foundation.
A City Antenna consists of a small group of leaders who are committed to introducing executive and operational leaders between their own regional productive ecosystem and the wider European network. They do not organise the full range of City Chapter activities, their core focus is on building trusted, high-quality international connections.
Each City Antenna is coached by the City Chapter that established it, ensuring continuity, consistent quality and the gradual development of the Foundation’s European network.
Purpose
What does a City Antenna do?
City Antennas are established as part of the Strategic Introductions initiative of a City Chapter. Their work serves two complementary objectives.
Connecting leaders across Europe
Expanding the European network
Executive and operational leaders are introduced to their counterparts in other regional productive ecosystems through the City Chapters in those regions. Every introduction is made personally by two people, one from each City Chapter or Antenna, who each know one of the parties involved. This ensures that introductions are relevant, well-considered and based on trusted relationships.
By establishing City Antennas, every City Chapter extends the Foundation’s reach into regions where it is not yet permanently present. As the City Antenna develops and its international network introduction process matures, it creates a reliable two-way gateway between the local community and the wider European network .
Development
How a City Antenna develops
A City Antenna starts small and grows organically. As its international network introduction process matures, it creates a reliable two-way gateway between the local community and the European network. Over time, a City Antenna may evolve into a full City Chapter when the conditions in its region are right.
Coached by a City Chapter
Every City Antenna is established and coached by an existing City Chapter. The City Chapter provides guidance, shares its experience and ensures that the Antenna develops in a way that is consistent with the Foundation’s mission and values. This coaching relationship ensures continuity and quality as the Antenna grows.
Growing into a City Chapter
As a City Antenna develops, it builds the relationships, community and experience needed to potentially become a full City Chapter. The Foundation considers factors such as the strength of the regional productive ecosystem, the presence of a university that can act as a long-term campus partner, and the long-term potential to attract Founding Partners and build a substantial community of Members.
Connected across Europe
From the very start, a City Antenna is part of the wider European network of the ImpactBuilders Foundation. Its leaders are encouraged to build relationships beyond their own region and to introduce people and organisations across Europe. In this way, even the smalles Antenna contributes to a stronger and better connected European productive economy.
Get involved with a City Antenna
City Antennas are built by a small group of committed leaders who believe in the power of trusted introductions. If you are active in a region where no City Chapter yet exists and want to connect your regional ecosystem with the wider European network, a City Antenna may be the right starting point for you.
Start or join a City Antenna
Explore our network
If you want to bring the ImpactBuilders network to your region, get in touch.
Discover where we are already active across Europe, from City Chapters to City Antennas, and find the community closest to you.