What we learned from the first 6 cohorts: seed funding, knowledge, and precise measurement are key to survival
Lessons from the project's first impact assessment report (B.E. 2560), which surveyed Champions from cohorts 1-6
Translated from Thai · reviewed by the CF team
BC4C's first impact assessment report (B.E. 2560) summarised several key lessons from the experience of the first 6 cohorts.
Seed funding was the resource that Champions rated as most useful. It enabled them to test their ideas and business assumptions in practice, develop product or service prototypes, and learn to address problems early before scaling up, helping to significantly reduce long-term risks. Without this funding, many teams would have taken much longer to reach the same point.
In terms of knowledge, many applicants from the social sector had a deep understanding of the issues but lacked a business foundation. The knowledge about business models and impact creation gained through the project therefore became a key reference that Champions continued to draw on even after completing the programme.
At the same time, the report highlighted areas for improvement. Many participants' impact goals did not yet meet the S.M.A.R.T. criteria, meaning that reported impact figures were often unclear and could not be properly verified because baseline data had not been collected before the project began. In addition, the average number of applicants per year was only 40-50, with most concentrated in Bangkok. One reason was that all workshops were held in Bangkok, making it harder for people outside the capital to take part.