Celebrating the close of our Poland and Romania accelerator programme

Co-created by IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and NESsT and launched in February 2022, the programme set out with a clear mission: to empower social entrepreneurs, develop sustainable businesses, and foster inclusive growth in Poland and Romania.   
  
The accelerator programme supported ten social enterprises across various sectors, such as sustainable agriculture, job inclusion, the circular economy, and sustainability. These enterprises were chosen for their potential to provide dignified employment and income to people from vulnerable groups, including youth, at-risk women, ethnic minorities, migrants and refugees, smallholder farmers, and people with different abilities.  

With tailor-made technical assistance, business advice, market access support, and financing, these entrepreneurs were equipped to scale their businesses and amplify their positive impact. They aimed to create employment opportunities for 1,200 people from vulnerable and marginalised groups. During the three years, two enterprises exited the programme as they closed operations following financial challenges. 

As we close the programme, we are delighted that the supported social enterprises created 1,735 jobs – a 144% achievement rate against the original target. Moreover, all these jobs came with formal contracts, providing security and stability for the employees.  

Financially, the programme facilitated significant investments, USD 163,500 in Romania and USD 201,755 in Poland, which supported each social enterprise in scaling its business and impact.   

Programme highlights  

In April last year, we hosted a gathering in Warsaw to mark the midpoint of the programme. The gathering brought together the social entrepreneurs, business mentors from IKEA, and the NESsT and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship team. Over two days, we deepened the relationships between the entrepreneurs and IKEA co-workers, celebrated and reflected on the lessons learned from the first half of the programme, and mapped out goals for the next phase.  

During the programme, the eight social enterprises made significant progress in scaling their business and impact.  

ALTRNTV Lifestyle expanded its business lines and refined its marketing strategy and positioning, leading to significant growth.  

By focusing on financial planning and optimisation, along with marketing and retention strategy, Helyenvalo connected eco-friendly farmers with new channels to sell their fresh products. ROMO enhanced its social impact measurement and navigated the legal framework to bolster its operations.  

Atelierul de Panza opened new business lines and strengthened its marketing efforts, driving business growth. At the same time, Targ Pietruszkowy improved its governance, overall strategy, and online sales platform, leading to substantial expansion.  

These enterprises, along with others like Studio M6, Heca, and Arte, have strengthened their business models and positioned themselves for future growth and continued social impact.  

Local support from IKEA Poland and Romania  

IKEA organisations in Poland and Romania supported the programme with 49 co-workers from across the region and beyond, providing mentorship, hosting masterclasses, and serving as advisory board members. This close partnership ensured the social entrepreneurs received comprehensive support, blending local insights with global expertise.  

Maksymilian Flemming, CEO of Heca Cooperative, shared, "During the accelerator programme, we connected, engaged, and learned from many deeply committed individuals whose values align with our mission. Their insights and perspectives have been invaluable to us, and they will continue to shape the way we refine and rethink what we do."  

In May this year, entrepreneurs from four portfolio enterprises in Romania showcased and promoted their sustainable, circular products made and produced by local artisans and farmers at a Sustainability Fair held outside IKEA Baneasa in Bucharest. IKEA co-workers and customers met the entrepreneurs and learned more about the innovative solutions they've developed to address social and environmental challenges.  

In Poland, entrepreneurs in the programme were invited to visit two IKEA supplier factories in Zbąszynek. They had the opportunity to learn about local manufacturing and what it takes to become an IKEA supplier and do business with IKEA.   

Continuing our work in the region  

As we celebrate the close of this Poland and Romania Accelerator Programme, we're reminded of the power of social entrepreneurship in creating positive change. The programme has not only supported these eight enterprises but has also provided inspiration for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable economies.   

IKEA Social Entrepreneurship remains committed to sustainability and social impact in the region as we continue our work with NESsT on the Refugee Employment Initiative. Keep an eye out for some exciting updates in the coming months.