Sweden faces many challenges, including social and labour market challenges, fundamentally affecting society, companies and people. We are convinced that the best way forward is to work together. At the same time, across the country, there are strong change leaders – social entrepreneurs – developing innovative solutions to some of our most pressing societal challenges. However, the sector remains fragmented, lacks visibility, and is in need of coordinated support.
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.
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.
The collaboration will focus on reaching 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.
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.
Through this initiative, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship and Reach for Change aim to inspire more companies to take responsibility and recognise the business potential in contributing to solutions for our greatest societal challenges.Applications for the accelerator programme, Everyone’s Business, are now open and the programme starts on 1 of November. A committee will select the first cohort of 11 social entrepreneurs who will receive a tailored support package including experienced mentors, targeted training, and financial support. Applications are submitted via the Reach for Change website.
About Reach for Change:
Reach for Change is a global non-profit empowering social entrepreneurs with the skills, network, and funding they need to scale their impact. Founded in Sweden in 2010, Reach for Change has supported 2,000 Change Leaders across 18 countries, reaching 4.7 million children and young people.
About IKEA Sweden:
Our vision at IKEA is to create a better everyday life for the many people. IKEA products consist of the right combination of form, function, quality, sustainability and a low price – we call it Democratic Design. IKEA was founded in Älmhult in 1943. Today, there are 22 IKEA stores and about 10 planning studios in Sweden. In Sweden, there are approximately 12,000 co-workers within the Ingka Group, of which approximately 8,000 are within the retail organisation.
About IKEA Social Entrepreneurship:
IKEA has been partnering with social entrepreneurs since 2012 to create opportunities for people in vulnerable situations. To strengthen and scale this work, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship BV was established in 2018 as part of Inter IKEA. Since then, over 230 social enterprises worldwide have received support through partnerships, funding, and business development—combining profitability with meaningful social impact on a global scale.
