We’re excited to share that IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and Reach for Change are launching a three-year partnership to support social entrepreneurs in Sweden who are creating positive social impact. With support from IKEA Sweden, we aim to strengthen Sweden’s social enterprise sector, supporting 22 innovative changemakers to scale their impact, increase inclusion, and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalised communities across the country.
Sweden is known for its progressive values, strong welfare systems, and high quality of life. But not everyone is benefiting equally. We all have a responsibility to create the society we want to live in, and at IKEA, we see this responsibility as a privilege. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
Through this new partnership, we want to be part of the solution by supporting social entrepreneurs already developing new ways of responding to community challenges. We aim to offer long-term, meaningful support to both individual change leaders and the wider system that surrounds them. We also hope to inspire more companies to take responsibility and recognise the business potential in contributing to solutions to our greatest societal challenges.
“We have sided with the many people for over eighty years, and it has never been more important to be part of creating a better everyday life for everyone in Sweden. IKEA is built on entrepreneurship, and through this initiative, we can support social entrepreneurs who make a difference every day and show that the business community has an important role in creating a more inclusive Sweden”, says Emily Birkin, Country Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Sweden.
“We’ve been working with social entrepreneurs in Sweden for over 15 years and have seen the immense power local change makers possess. Reach for Change work hands-on, providing the tools, knowledge and connections that help social entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures. Through this partnership, we have a unique opportunity to combine our experiences with the global reach of IKEA and business commitment to societal issues,” says Sofia Breitholtz, CEO of Reach for Change.
Accelerating impact across Sweden
The partnership includes an accelerator programme Everyone’s Business, where two cohorts of Swedish social enterprises will receive tailored support to scale their operations and increase their social impact. A total of 22 participants will have access to mentorship, expert knowledge from IKEA co-workers, as well as networking and funding opportunities.
“Social entrepreneurship is about merging business acumen with a clear purpose. By supporting entrepreneurs who work closely with societal challenges — and providing them with access to our expertise and network — we can contribute to real change,” says Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship.
We aim to support social entrepreneurs from diverse parts of Sweden, both rural and urban areas, and from various backgrounds. The goal is to create a broader, more representative movement for innovation that can address society’s complex challenges through more sustainable business models.
This partnership builds on over 12 years of IKEA doing business with and supporting over 230 social enterprises across 37 countries.
Read more about our other partnerships and accelerator programmes.