IKEA Foundation

About the IKEA Foundation

The IKEA Foundation believes that all children and young people deserve to look forward to a bright future full of opportunities. But for many of them, there are two major threats to that future: poverty and climate change. That is why the IKEA Foundation is committed to helping people living in poverty afford a better everyday life while protecting the planet.

Our partnership with the IKEA Foundation

Our partnership with the IKEA Foundation ran from 2019 until 2022. Together we supported over 3,200 entrepreneurs in India and Bangladesh to start over 1,200 new businesses and strengthen over 1,400 existing businesses – making a lasting impact on the lives of the entrepreneurs, their businesses and communities. YBI members Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) in India and Youth Enterprise Advice and Helpcentre (B’YEAH) in Bangladesh implemented the programme, which included training, mentoring, access to finance and support in adopting digital technologies as well as decent work. Watch the video below to learn more:

Initiatives

2019 – 2022: Accelerating Youth-led Businesses in the Digital Era Accelerating Youth-led Businesses in the Digital Era In 2019, Youth Business International (YBI) launched a regional programme funded by IKEA Foundation to equip young people in India and Bangladesh with the entrepreneurship skills they need to build and sustain thriving businesses, create jobs and boost local economies. Over three years, the programme has: Programme overview Millions of […]

Success Stories

Akhti Akher Milli

Bangladesh

“Times are changing for women. We now have more opportunities than ever. Don’t stay at home, go do what you want and learn from others!”

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Creating jobs for India’s rural youth: Akshay Babar’s story

India

Find out how young agripreneur Akshay Babar supports local farmers through his biofertilizer production business while providing decent work to rural youth.

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Esrat Jahan Chowdhury

Bangladesh

“This is not just a business; this is a social responsibility.”

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Kaniz Fatema

Bangladesh

“Everyone can be an entrepreneur! Take initiative and you will be successful.”

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Turning challenges into opportunities: Shantanu Dandage’s story

India

When India went into national lockdown, 24-year-old self-employed photographer Shantanu Dandage lost all his clients and orders. But instead of despairing, he used this time of standstill to upgrade his skills and bounce back stronger. His story is one of perseverance and determination.

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