We attended the official opening party of our new office space at Social Impact Factory Aan de Gracht in October. We are settling into the office space in the heart of Utrecht where we have enjoyed networking with the other Social Impact Factory members and staff.
The opening party commenced with Director Carlijn Grinwis, Ivar Davids from Powered by Meaning, and Linda Voortman (Alderman at Gemeente Utrecht), who took the stage, expressing their pride and hard work that was injured to deliver a second Social Impact Factory location in Utrecht. They emphasised the pivotal role of sustainability in the vision and shared their hopes of inspiring even more entrepreneurs towards the path of social entrepreneurship with this new location.
Our new office location is a national monument with a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. Until 1770, the building served as a winter residence of the writer Belle van Zuylen. Years later, this location became the setting for progressive writers and inquisitive young people, particularly women, who wanted to socialise and attend education. The building owes its name to one of its famous residents Belle van Zuylen, whose quote is engraved on a plaque by the entrance “I am not asking for freedom of thought, I have it”.
We look forward to continuing the building’s tradition of innovation and free thinking.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Aan de Gracht!
Photo credits: Studio Sunny Side Up
Click here to read more about the Social Impact factory.
