#3 Transforming Bad News into Social Impact - Coridor From Turkey - Edge of Impact Podcast

Let's dive into the Insight, Inspiration & Impact behind the Coridor with Ravzanur Eker, and Beyza Topcu

Follow & Support Coridor.co

• WSA Winning Year: 2024

• Award: WSA European Young Innovators

• Category: European Young Innovators

• Producers: Ravzanur Eker, Perver Atilla İnce, Beyza Topcu, Semanur Ülger, Ecem Kaşdan

• Country: Türkiye

• On WSA website: https://wsa-global.org/winner/coridor/

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to focus on negative news while stories of positive initiatives often fly under the radar. This is something Ravzanur and Beyza, along with their determined team, are set on changing with their company, Coridor, based in Turkey.

The Beginning of Coridor

The idea for Coridor was born from Ravzanur's childhood experience. In a classroom filled with students knowledgeable about bad news and oblivious to the names behind positive stories, it became clear that there was a gap to fill. This realization led to the creation of Coridor—a digital platform dedicated to shining a light on positive projects and fostering social impact.

Challenges in Turkish Entrepreneurship

In Turkey, starting a social enterprise isn't straightforward. Coridor's mission began amidst a fledgling entrepreneurial ecosystem where impact entrepreneurship was largely unheard of. Traditional views and new ideas clashed, and the four young founders faced significant obstacles, such as repeated rejections from established organizations.

A striking statistic from the discussion highlights the issue: in Turkey, 94 out of 100 young people have never participated in social impact or volunteering projects, a stark contrast to their untapped potential. Despite these challenges, Ravzanur and Beyza persevered, eventually bringing their ideas to life and gaining recognition in their field.

Creating Connections and Overcoming Economic Challenges

Amidst Turkey’s current economic difficulties, Coridor is finding ways to thrive. By aligning with notable companies like Turkish Airlines, they are building a credible platform that connects brands with young volunteers eager for social involvement. Through their digital map, tasks and opportunities are highlighted, encouraging participation and rewarding efforts.

This initiative is especially crucial in a country where a large percentage of young people, 94% in Turkey and 85% globally, have never been involved in social impact projects. Coridor’s work aims to change this by acting as a bridge, a much-needed connector between young people and opportunities for positive action.

Looking Ahead

Social entrepreneurship in Turkey comes with unique challenges, driven by cultural differences and evolving perceptions of what it means to innovate. Yet, Ravzanur’s vision for Coridor continues to grow. They're proving that with persistence and passion, change is possible.

With their goal of expanding into Europe, they seek investment to support their growth. Their journey exemplifies the importance of community, mentorship, and unwavering belief in one's mission.

At its core, Coridor is about connecting people and stories that might otherwise go untold. It's about making sure that good is seen, heard, and celebrated—an effort that has already made waves in Turkey and promises to do so beyond its borders.

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