Social enterprises are redefining what's possible, providing innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Together with these passionate social entrepreneurs and our partners, we continue our work to address poverty, reduce inequality, create jobs, and build more inclusive societies.
Expanding our support for social enterprises
This year, we increased support for social enterprises from 95 to 104, spanning 21 countries across five continents. These enterprises work in areas ranging from inclusive employment, agriculture and food to circularity. In Malaysia, we launched a new partnership with the Biji-biji Initiative, co-creating SEAM (Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia) to support local social enterprises in scaling their business and impact. We renewed our collaboration with Saahas Zero Waste in India and invested in new social enterprises through the Take-a-Stake Fund.
We signed The Rise Ahead Pledge, committing to further boosting our investments in the social economy and reporting our progress annually. The pledge is spearheaded by the Schwab Foundation's Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the World Economic Forum and marks a significant step towards building a more sustainable and equitable world.
Job creation through social business partnerships
In FY24, we partnered with 11 social businesses in IKEA production to create socially impactful, beautifully handcrafted products, providing over 10,000 income opportunities across six countries. We welcomed ROPE and SPUN in India as new IKEA social business suppliers, contributing to our main range and the MÄVINN collection. Through collections like MÄVINN, FRÖDD, and ÅKERNEJLIKA, we continue to celebrate traditional craftsmanship while uplifting artisans from communities in Bangladesh, India, Jordan, and beyond.
Kanta Devi, an artisan at Rangustra in India, shares, "Through the work I do, I can now afford to send all my children to school. This makes me very happy."
Engaging IKEA co-workers for greater impact
IKEA co-workers are at the core of our impact journey, sharing their unique skills and knowledge, gaining a deeper understanding of global social issues, learning new ways of working and contributing to making a positive impact.
In FY24, 121 co-workers shared their expertise by mentoring and coaching social entrepreneurs, bringing the total number to over 400 since we started in 2018. Together, we're creating a support system that extends beyond borders and job titles.
"Supporting social entrepreneurs is an incredible opportunity to stretch beyond work and add a new zest to your personal life", says Neetu Kapasi, who supported Access Bangladesh Foundation in our Dela programme. "It's win-win. For us as co-workers, it's a development opportunity, and for the social entrepreneurs, it changes their perspective on how to be even more effective as agents of change."
Our mission to create a better everyday life for people from vulnerable and marginalised groups has never been more urgent. We invite you to explore our 6th Annual Review and join us in building a world where business, people, and the planet thrive together.
Discover more about our journey and collective impact.