IKEA: Enabling positive social impact for a more equal and inclusive society

During FY23, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship supported 95 social enterprises across 23 countries focusing on inclusive employment, the circular economy and renewable materials. In addition, 12 social business partners were engaged in IKEA production, creating jobs for those furthest from the labour market. Together, these partnerships, both within and beyond the IKEA value chain, have benefited over 3 million people in FY23. Today IKEA Social Entrepreneurship is pleased to release the annual review for the financial year 2023.

The world is experiencing multiple economic, environmental and humanitarian crises. It’s in this incredibly challenging context that IKEA Social Entrepreneurship continues to contribute to positive change, creating positive social impact so that people from vulnerable and marginalised groups have greater opportunities to live a better everyday life, within a more inclusive and sustainable society.   

“I’m proud of our achievements the last years in accelerating and scaling the movement of social entrepreneurship. We believe social entrepreneurs can play an important role, offering innovative approaches to complex challenges by focusing on improving livelihoods, wellbeing and inclusion. By working hand-in-hand, both global businesses and social enterprises benefit. Together, we can work to reduce global inequality and contribute to more resilient communities”, says Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director at IKEA Social Entrepreneurship B.V. 

During FY23 some important steps were taken:

• Supporting 95 social enterprises in 23 countries through accelerator programmes and funding, and with mentoring support from more than 160 IKEA co-workers. 
• Partnering with 12 social businesses for IKEA production across home furnishing and food products, launching global social business products throughout the year: from Doi Tung ceramics in the VINTER collection to a 20-piece collection, MÄVINN, featuring products from seven social businesses across Asia.  
• Collaborating with WWF, Rainforest Alliance, Pact, and Ocean Conservancy in four development programmes.

IKEA Social Entrepreneurship continued its contribution to the wider IKEA circular agenda, testing and implementing practical steps to integrate recycling, reuse, refurbish and resell principles through social solutions. A report was also initiated and funded, together with the World Economic Forum Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, that explores opportunities at the intersection of the circular and social economies.

IKEA Social Entrepreneurship also continued to focus on supporting social enterprises within inclusive employment and renewable materials, including sustainable agriculture. Areas where, boosted by IKEA organisations and co-worker knowledge, positive impact can be made for and with vulnerable people. 34 social enterprises working in food and food systems were supported, helping to transform food systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food security, positively impacting local communities.  

In December 2023, IKEA Social Entrepreneurship committed to a significant pledge alongside Ingka Group and the IKEA Foundation at the UNHCR Global Refugee Forum:  

• The partnership with Jordan River Foundation will be continued, supporting 400 ongoing jobs for refugee women and local women artisans.  
• Financial support and business guidance to 15 social enterprises and socially impactful businesses in Poland and Romania will continue in partnership with NESsT and the Cisco Foundation. The goal is to create 3,000 job opportunities and a better everyday life for 5,000 refugees and migrants.