IKEA and NESsT Team Up to Supercharge South American Social Enterprises
Hold onto your flat-pack furniture, folks, because IKEA and NESsT are about to unleash some serious social impact in South America! The dynamic duo just announced they’re expanding their accelerator program, welcoming nine fresh faces to their already impressive roster of changemakers. This news comes hot on the heels of their program launch back in — talk about a glow-up!
Powering Up Inclusive and Sustainable Economies: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Two-for-One Deal?
This latest crew of social entrepreneurs isn’t here to play. They’re bringing innovative solutions to some of the toughest social and environmental challenges facing South America. Think of them as the Avengers, but instead of saving the world from Thanos, they’re tackling poverty, inequality, and, like, saving the bees. We’re here for it!
Curious to meet the squad? Check out this lineup:
- Chile: Picture this: a family-owned business nestled in the breathtaking Chiloé region, dedicated to sourcing sustainable honey and bee products from local beekeepers. Not only are they helping preserve biodiversity, but they’re also sweetening the deal with a hefty dose of economic development for the region. (Psst… peep the stunning visuals of their work courtesy of Rodrigo Sepulveda on iStock!)
- Colombia: Remember that t-shirt you were gonna toss? This collab is all about giving it a second life (and third, and fourth…). We’re talking about a revolutionary recycling platform that’s putting circular economy principles into action and creating income opportunities for communities who need it most. It’s a win-win for the planet and the people!
- Colombia: Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. This association is empowering nearly small-scale coffee farmers, with a special focus on supporting the amazing women who make up a significant portion of their membership. Get ready to sip your morning brew with an extra shot of empowerment!
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs! (And a Side of Inclusive Practices)
IKEA and NESsT aren’t just throwing money at the problem – they’re in it for the long haul. This powerhouse partnership aims to invest in a total of social enterprises across Chile, Colombia, and Peru. And get this – these enterprises are projected to generate jobs, which translates to massive economic empowerment and social inclusion. We’re talking about real, tangible change, people!
But wait, there’s more! This program is way more than just a job creation machine. It’s about building a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone. Here’s how they’re doing it:
Mentorship: Think Jedi Master Meets Social Entrepreneur
Get ready for some serious knowledge bombs, because IKEA staff across Chile, Colombia, and Peru are suiting up as mentors, along with a crew of global experts. They’ll be dishing out tailored guidance and masterclasses to the participating entrepreneurs, covering everything from business strategy and innovation to operational efficiency and product development. It’s like business school, but way cooler (and probably involves Swedish meatballs).
Knowledge Transfer: Sharing is Caring (And Growing)
This program is all about breaking down silos and building bridges. It’s creating a space for valuable knowledge exchange between IKEA employees and the social entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of shared learning and collaboration. Think of it as a two-way street where everyone’s learning and growing together.
Promoting Inclusive Business Models: Because Representation Matters
Let’s be real, the traditional business world could use a serious dose of inclusivity. That’s where this program comes in, shining a spotlight on successful social enterprises that are walking the walk when it comes to inclusive and sustainable practices. The goal? To inspire other businesses and industries to step up their game and create a more equitable playing field for everyone.
A History of Impact: Proof That This Stuff Actually Works!
Remember that program launch back in ? Well, it wasn’t all talk and fancy announcements. The initial accelerator program knocked it out of the park, supporting social enterprises and retaining jobs for individuals facing social exclusion. And here’s the kicker: a whopping of these businesses were led by individuals from marginalized communities, including indigenous communities and women. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
Mic Drop Moments: Leaders Weigh In
Don’t just take our word for it, let’s hear what the big dogs have to say about this game-changing partnership:
“By investing in these effective, innovative solutions, we are fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy, strengthening marginalized communities, and driving lasting change. This partnership with IKEA Social Entrepreneurship is a transformative step toward addressing South America’s deep-rooted income inequalities and environmental challenges.” – Kirsten Dueck, CEO of NESsT
“The work of these nine enterprises will create opportunities that will benefit their local communities for years to come.” – Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director at IKEA Social Entrepreneurship
“By connecting participating entrepreneurs with IKEA co-workers eager to share their expertise and experiences, we ensure each social enterprise receives tailored guidance to grow while fostering inclusive practices and equitable opportunities. We hope to ignite the same passion for a sustainable business model in other companies and industries throughout the region.” – Bernardita Correa Díaz, Sustainability Leader at IKEA Chile, Colombia, and Peru
Looking Ahead: Because the Future is Bright (and Sustainable)
As this program unfolds, IKEA and NESsT will be keeping a close eye on its impact, tracking the numbers and, most importantly, sharing what they learn. The ultimate goal? To create a blueprint for supporting social enterprises and driving positive change that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. Because when it comes to creating a more just and sustainable world, teamwork makes the dream work!