We work with and support social entrepreneurs to create a better everyday life for people from vulnerable and marginalised groups.
The need for renewed efforts to address poverty, create jobs, reduce inequality, and foster inclusive societies has never been greater. Increasingly frequent global crises continue to impact vulnerable communities the hardest, limiting governments’ ability to invest in social development. While the government’s role is essential, social enterprises are stepping up to fill the gaps. Today, there are an estimated 10 million social enterprises globally, generating $2 trillion in revenue and providing nearly 200 million jobs.
So, we continue the work started a decade ago, expanding our support for social entrepreneurs and deepening our social business partnerships to create positive social impact both inside and outside the IKEA value chain.
Over FY24, we supported 104 social enterprises across 21 countries and partnered with 11 social businesses in IKEA production across home furnishing and food products, creating global social business products and our annual social business collection, MÄVINN.
We’re excited to share our 6th Annual Review, where you can read more about our methods, initiatives and impact — for social entrepreneurs, IKEA customers, co-workers, and our global community.
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© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019 All material, including photos and videos on this site is allowed to use for non-commercial purpose only.
Co-creating with social business suppliers
We partner with social businesses to design and develop products that complement the IKEA range. This creates income opportunities for people often excluded from work while offering customers beautiful, unique, socially impactful products.
In FY24, we worked with 11 social businesses which provided jobs and income opportunities for 10,000 people across Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Supporting social entrepreneurs
Through our programmes and direct support, we provide capacity building and financial support to social enterprises that aim to have a lasting positive impact on people, society, and planet.In FY24 we supported 104 social entrepreneurs, mostly based in North America (primarily Mexico), South America, Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Highlights include launching an accelerator programme in Malaysia with new partner Biji-biji Initiative, co-creating Hello Accelerator with Ashoka, kicking off a new collaboration with RREUSE, continuing support to Saahas Zero Waste, and providing direct grant support to iWrc and social business supplier Du Anyam.
We provided nearly EUR 6 million in grants and new loans, a 20 percent increase compared to FY23.
THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS APPLY
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019 All material, including photos and videos on this site is allowed to use for non-commercial purpose only.
THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS APPLY
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019 All material, including photos and videos on this site is allowed to use for non-commercial purpose only.
Engaging IKEA co-workers for mutual learning
We believe that the unique skills and knowledge of IKEA co-workers can add significant value to the social entrepreneurs we support. In turn, co-workers gain a deeper understanding of global social issues, learn new approaches and business models, and contribute to making a positive impact.In FY24, 121 IKEA co-workers across 23 countries supported entrepreneurs in our accelerator programmes.
Beyond one-on-one mentoring, we introduced new ways to engage, such as participation in advisory groups and introducing a new Thought Partner role.
Collaborating with the sector through research and advocacy
We aim to contribute to and advance the field of social entrepreneurship by sharing approaches and learnings within IKEA and externally. Leading by example, we hope to inspire other corporates, social entrepreneurs, investors, and the community to contribute to the sector.During FY24, we initiated, funded and contributed to various research studies including:
Exploring circularity and informality
Mapping waste management in Indonesia
Theories of change in reality
We significantly ramped up our advocacy, with a commitment to driving systems change through various influential platforms and events.
In January we signed the Rise Ahead Pledge, spearheaded by the Schwab Foundation’s Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the World Economic Forum. This shows our commitment towards increasing investments in social innovation and entrepreneurship in collaboration with over a dozen forward-thinking companies.
THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS APPLY
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019 All material, including photos and videos on this site is allowed to use for non-commercial purpose only.