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For better everyday lives
There are many millions of people whose lives are a constant struggle to provide for themselves and their families. By backing and working with social entrepreneurs, we create newInclusion
Social entrepreneurs give people the opportunity to play an active part in society through jobs and income opportunities.Equality
Social entrepreneurs business that look to change the situation for people not being treated equal, especially in status, rights and opportunities - allowing them to make a decent living.Livelihood
With increased inclusion and equality comes a better change of dignified life, where people have the possibility to provide for themselves and their families in a sustainable way.
This is how we work
We team up with civil society organisations to support established social entrepreneurs to increase their impact.
Collaborating with social entrepreneurs to produce unique items and develop services for IKEA – is the way we contribute to creating jobs for those who need them the most.
Argentina
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Brazil
Programme: Dela Accelerator
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Programme: South America Accelerator
Partner: NESsT
Over 6 years, we'll welcome 39 selected social entrepreneurs in Chile, Colombia and Peru looking to accelerate their business development and scale their impact. Enterprises receive tailored support, advice, tools and funding to make their scale-up plans a success.
Learn more.
Bolivia
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Canada
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Chile
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Programme: South America Accelerator
Partner: NESsT
Over 6 years, we'll welcome 39 selected social entrepreneurs in Chile, Colombia and Peru looking to accelerate their business development and scale their impact. Enterprises receive tailored support, advice, tools and funding to make their scale-up plans a success.
Learn more.
Colombia
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Programme: South America Accelerator
Partner: NESsT
Over 6 years, we'll welcome 39 selected social entrepreneurs in Chile, Colombia and Peru looking to accelerate their business development and scale their impact. Enterprises receive tailored support, advice, tools and funding to make their scale-up plans a success.
Learn more.
Egypt
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Ethiopia
Partner: Acumen
This five-month accelerator programme strengthened the work of 34 social enterprises across East Africa to increase their impact for people from vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Learn more.
Germany
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Hong Kong
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Indonesia
Programme: Dela Accelerator
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Partner: Instellar
Together with Instellar and IKEA Indonesia, we co-created a one-year accelerator programme to improve the lives of marginalised and excluded people in Indonesia by strengthening the work of 30 social enterprises during our four-year partnership.,
Learn more.
Italy
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Ivory Coast
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Kenya
Programme: Dela Accelerator
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Programme: East Africa Accelerator
Partner: Acumen
This five-month accelerator programme strengthened the work of 34 social enterprises across East Africa to increase their impact for people from vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Learn more.
Malaysia
Partner: Biji-biji Initiative
Together with Biji-biji Initiative, we've co-created SEAM (Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia) to drive positive change in Malaysia by supporting 20 social enterprises creating a better everyday life for people from vulnerable groups.
Learn more.
Mexico
Programme: Mexico Accelerator Programme
Partner: New Ventures
We partnered with New Ventures and IKEA Mexico to co-create a one-year accelerator to support social enterprises that improve the livelihood of Mexico’s most vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Programme: Dela Accelerator
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Programme: Community Conservation Programme
Partner: WWF Mexico
Together, WWF and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship created the Community Conservation programme, combines conservation, sustainable agriculture and livelihoods in Mexico’s Oaxaca region to support the work of 13 social entrepreneurs.
Learn more.
Netherlands
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Nigeria
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Peru
Partner: NESsT
Over 6 years, we'll welcome 39 selected social entrepreneurs in Chile, Colombia and Peru looking to accelerate their business development and scale their impact. Enterprises receive tailored support, advice, tools and funding to make their scale-up plans a success.
Learn more.
Philippines
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Poland
Programme: Dela Accelerator
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Programme: Poland and Romania Accelerator
Partner: NESsT
The three-year accelerator programme, co-created with NESsT and launched in February 2022, supports ten social entrepreneurs in Poland and Romania. They receive tailor-made technical assistance, business advice, market access support and financing, so they can scale their businesses and increase their positive impact on people and the planet.
Learn more.
Programme: Refugee Employment Initiative
Partner: NESsT
Launched in 2022, this five-year initiative launched in July 2022, supports 15 social entrepreneurs in Poland and Romania focusing on long-term stability for refugees. The initiative will provide financing and capacity-building support to aid enterprises to adapt or scale their businesses, with the aim to benefit over 5,000 refugees and migrants.
Learn more.
Portugal
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Romania
Programme: Poland and Romania Accelerator
Partner: NESsT
The three-year accelerator programme, co-created with NESsT and launched in February 2022, supports ten social entrepreneurs in Poland and Romania. They receive tailor-made technical assistance, business advice, market access support and financing, so they can scale their businesses and increase their positive impact on people and the planet.
Learn more.
Programme: Refugee Employment Initiative
Partner: NESsT
Launched in 2022, this five-year initiative launched in July 2022, supports 15 social entrepreneurs in Poland and Romania focusing on long-term stability for refugees. The initiative will provide financing and capacity-building support to aid enterprises to adapt or scale their businesses, with the aim to benefit over 5,000 refugees and migrants.
Learn more.
Rwanda
Partner: Acumen
This five-month accelerator programme strengthened the work of 34 social enterprises across East Africa to increase their impact for people from vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Learn more.
Singapore
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Spain
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Sweden
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Switzerland
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Turkey
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Uganda
Partner: Acumen
This five-month accelerator programme strengthened the work of 34 social enterprises across East Africa to increase their impact for people from vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Learn more.
USA
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
France
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Denmark
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
India
Programme: Dela Accelerator
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Programme: Take-a-Stake Fund
Partner: Yunus Social Business
We’ve partnered with Yunus Social Business to improve the working conditions and livelihoods of informal waste workers, as well as the broader waste sector, in India. Together with WASTE and SIDA, we’ll pilot the setup of the Take-a-Stake investment fund to support social enterprises offering waste services and solutions in India. The partnership will also provide technical assistance and capacity building to support the enterprises in key areas of their work
Bangladesh
Social business partner: Classical handmade Products
Country: Bangladesh
Business partner since 2020
Product scope: Handmade jute natural fibre products.
Classical Handmade Products specialised in handmade products using only garment waste and natural fibres such as jute and banana fibre. It creates job opportunities for women in rural villages and people with disabilities in northern Bangladesh. By bringing work to rural and underserved areas and having a 100% solar powered production, it enables people to stay with their families and communities, supporting local stability and reducing the pressures of urban migration. Nearly 1,400 artisans are involved in making products for IKEA.
Social business partner: Karupannya
Country: Bangladesh
Business partner since 2007
Product scope: Handmade rugs and natural fibre products
Karupannya provides an alternative to the overpopulated cities and creates 6,020 income jobs for people in rural areas of Bangladesh, persons affected by flooding, disadvantaged youth, and transgender persons. By using natural materials like jute and wool, solar cells and biogas, Karupannya also aims to minimise its environmental impact. An IKEA supplier since 2007, Karupannya became an approved social business in 2023.
Read more.
Thailand
Social business partner: Doi tung
Country: Thailand
Business partner since 2021
Product scope: Opportunities for less privileged artisans to access job markets.
Doi Tung creates a livelihood for tribal people living in the mountain area of Doi Tung, Thailand. Their mission is to ensure that their artisans, who have small opportunities to get jobs, are economically self-reliant, without compromising the environment or their cultural values. Our collaboration has resulted in over 7 collections and today, 55 people are involved in producing mainly ceramic products for IKEA.
Vietnam
Country: Vietnam
Business partner since 2021
Product scope: Sustainable materials like natural fibers and waste materials.
Improving the environment and the lives of people with disabilities and their communities is all part of Saitex’s holistic approach to doing business. Saitex aims to have 20% of their workforce be persons with disabilities and involved in production for IKEA.
Read more.
Jordan
Country: Jordan
Business partner since 2018
Product scope: Jobs for women refugees and for Jordanian women in need of work.
Jordan River Foundation (JRF) provides jobs for Syrian women refugees and for Jordanian women in need of work by turning to traditional handicraft skills. The first joint IKEA and JRF collection, named TILLTALANDE, was produced by more than 100 female artisans. Today, the collaboration offers sustainable incomes for 370 women and their families.
Read more.
Bangladesh
Partner: Ashoka
Ashoka and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship co-created Dela, a one-year global systems change accelerator, to support leading social entrepreneurs in developing their impact and scaling strategies. To date, we’ve supported over 50 social entrepreneurs over five cohorts.
Learn more.
Indonesia
Social business partner: Du Anyam
Country: Indonesia
Business partner since 2022
Product scope: Job opportunities for skilled women artisans
Du Anyam focuses on sustainably solving complex socio-economic issues in one of the most underdeveloped areas in Indonesia by connecting skilled women artisans to the market. The focus of Du Anyam has been to provide employment with flexible working hours for mothers, enabling them to also care for their families and local farms. The products designed by IKEA today provide work for 254 people. This provides more opportunities to increase income while utilising locally sourced materials and promoting weaving culture.
India
Social business partner: Ramesh flowers
Country: India
Business partner since 2005
Product scope: Handmade products from organic waste material
Ramesh Flowers works with nature to empower women, creating income opportunities for women in rural areas around Tuticorin, India. The company has been one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of home fragrance and home decor products in India since 1982. Back then, it consisted of a handful of people – today that number has grown into the thousands, most of whom are women from rural areas. Ramesh Flowers works in harmony with nature to create home and lifestyle products like candles and essential oils using natural, botanical waste. 400 artisans are involved in creating handcrafted items from nutshell, bark, and more. IKEA supplier since 2005, Ramesh Flowers became an approved social business in 2020.
Social business partner: Rangasutra
Country: India
Business partner since 2013
Product scope: Handwoven and hand-stitched textile products.
Rangsutra works to empower women, nurture local handicraft traditions, and create jobs for women in rural areas across India. The artisans mainly women, are shareholders in the company and come from villages and small towns in the Uttar Pradesh area. It specialises in traditional Indian embroidery, textile, and grass weaving. Our collaboration has created 1400 jobs and several IKEA collections, with each product handcrafted using techniques rooted in a long tradition of Indian craftsmanship.
Read more.
Social business partner: Rope
Country: India
Business partner since 2024
Product scope: Handwoven wicker and natural fibres.
ROPE creating jobs and income opportunities in Tamil Nadu, India. The company contributes to formalising the craft sector where, traditionally, there is a lack of safe and stable employment opportunities. ROPE recently invested in a new factory set-up in Sivakasi, an area known for firecracker factories employing female workers in unsafe environments. The area was specifically chosen with the aim to support these women workers by creating access to fair paying, safe work.
Read more.
Social business partner: Spun
Country: India
Business partner since 2024
Product scope: Handwoven and hand and machine-stitched textile products.
Spun empowers women and enables growth of entire communities in rural India. It provides jobs for women who produce skillfully crafted, sustainably produced products and offers educational programmes, environmental and health initiatives. Their work has made a big impact already - most of all on its employees, most of whom work in production for IKEA.
Read more.