Us
We are enablers that believe in partnerships and building bridges to enable innovative and sustainable impact. We work closely with our value chain, collaborating shoulder-to-shoulder, to create a positive balance of regeneration and development. Our aim is to ensure that future generations can meet their own needs while promoting long-lasting and positive change.
REGENERATIVE IMPACT INNOVATION CORPORATIONS
Positive Benefits is a collaborative effort between a Non-Profit Association and an Enterprise sharing a common mission. The Enterprise, established in 2009, is one of the pioneering social businesses in Portugal, offering research, development, and innovation (rd&I), consulting, and technology services. It operates in multiple countries in Africa and Europe, focusing on social innovation, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability, collaborating with companies and public organizations. On the other hand, the Non-Profit was founded in 2016, primarily dedicated to impact investment and incubation services/projects. Its work spans across Europe and Africa, engaging directly with universities, other non-profit organizations, and private impact investors.
As a Team of Teams, we act as catalysts, bringing together stakeholders including partners, clients, and impact investors, with a shared objective of addressing societal challenges. Our focus is on identifying neglected problems within society and collaboratively providing high-impact solutions. By harnessing the collective expertise, resources, and perspectives of our diverse network, we strive to make a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world.
BOARD
Experienced Senior Consultant and Project Manager with a background in design, development, and business economics. Holds a Postgraduate degree in Development from ISCTE (2010) and completed the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program (2011).
Currently serving as Senior Consultant, Trainer, and Project Developer and Researcher at Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics since 2021 and Senior Consultant and Project Manager at NOVA-SBE since 2022. Founder and RD&I Director at Positive Benefits since 2009. Experienced in project management, training, and social entrepreneurship. Also serves as an evaluator of impact projects at the La Caixa Iberia Foundation.
Mafalda Sarmento
Master Degree in Environmental Engineering from FCT Universidade Nova de Lisboa and PhD in Energy from IST-UL. Board Member of PB non-profit and PB company partner is an entrepreneur and Businessman, a specialist in sustainability, Water, Sanitation and Energy. World Bank consulter and evaluator of the European Commission research programs and other impact investors.
Pedro Póvoa
Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering from NOVA School of Science and Technology and Master's in Development studies from ISCTE-IUL. The founder and Vice-President PB non-profit and partner of PB company is a Social Entrepreneur and Businessman, specialist in sustainability, Social Innovation and Impact Investment. Also evaluator of the European Commission research programs and other impact investors.
Nuno Frazão
Undergraduate studies in International relations from Lusiada University, Master's Degree in African Studies from ISCTE and PhD Education, Doctor of Philosophy from Lancaster University. Board Member of PB non-profit and other non-profit organizations. Senior Research Associate @ RECIRCULATE Global Challenge Research Fund from Lancaster University.
Joana Pais
Degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation from Universidade de Lisboa. Board Member of PB non-profit. Businesswomen, social entrepreneur founder and CEO of Oceans and Flow.
Violeta Lapa
ADVISORY BOARD
Degree in Electric Engineering from Tecnico Lisboa from Universidade de Lisboa and AESE business management master. General Assembly President of PB non-profit, PB company Associate Partner and TESE Advisory Board. Entrepreneur and Businessman, a specialist in sustainability, Water, Sanitation and Energy.
António Côrte-Real Frazão
Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Sports from Universidade de Lisboa. Positive Benefits Advisory Board and Social Innovations Sports founder. Businessman, tech entrepreneur: Infordesporto, TIMWE. Cofina Consultant, Global Board Member of Mobile Ecosystem Forum, Startup Lisboa Mentor.
Ricardo Carvalho
PhD, Sociology of Culture, Knowledge and Communication, from Coimbra University. Assistant Professor and Permanent Researcher Center for Social Studies of the Faculty of Economics University of Coimbra, Assistant Professor at University of Porto and Positive Benefits Advisory Board.
Pedro Gois
OPERATIONAL TEAM
Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sports from Lisbon University. Entrepreneur. Positive Benefits Junior Consultant and Social Innovations Sports manager.
Sara Barroca
Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sports from Universidade da Madeira. Master student in Sports Management from Faculdade de Motricidade Humana and Coaching Course - Football - UEFA C Licence. Positive Benefits Junior Consultant and Social Innovations Sports manager.
Martim Lomelino
Bachelor's Degree in Economics from NOVA SBE. Positive Benefits Junior Consultant and Social Innovations Sports consultant.
Bernardo Faria
ENABLERS
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Positive Benefits is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of impact and financial accountability as well as transparency. We recognize the importance of efficiently utilizing all resources at our disposal to maximize our impact in local communities.
Our partners, clients, impact investors, and other stakeholders rely on us to ensure that every resource is effectively and responsibly utilized to achieve the greatest possible positive outcomes. We are dedicated to delivering measurable and meaningful results while maintaining a strong focus on transparency and accountability in all our operations.