New Initiative for Underserved Entrepreneurs in Sweden

The initiative, called “Step Up”, enables direct support to 60 entrepreneurs ready to scale through a new accelerator program, and addresses structural barriers that underserved entrepreneurs face when it comes to access to knowledge, contacts, capital and customers. 

The collaboration brings together Reach for Change’s 15 years of experience in supporting social entrepreneurs to grow, with Ignite Nordic’s expertise in connecting entrepreneurs with large companies and public organizations, and is enabled by JPMorganChase’s philanthropic support which contributes to a stronger society through investing in local communities. 

Society is facing urgent challenges. Meanwhile, underserved entrepreneurs rooted in affected grassroot communities with a deep first-hand understanding of the challenges are developing innovative and scalable solutions that address local needs and offer employment opportunities. Due to structural barriers these entrepreneurs face significant challenges to grow. This is a loss not only for the entrepreneurs, but for society as a whole. This partnership aims to create a more inclusive, equitable Swedish innovation ecosystem where underserved entrepreneurs scale their ventures, create jobs and uplift communities. 

Over three phases, 60 growth entrepreneurs will deep dive in scaling through tailored self paced learning, a buddy system, investor meetings, expert workshops and demo days. At the same time, Ignite Nordic will facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and potential customers in both private and public sectors, accelerating opportunities for collaboration and business growth. This will also open doors to new and innovative financing models. 

“Based on our more than 15 years of experience, we know that entrepreneurs need connections and coaching to successfully scale solutions that can have a positive impact on society. I am so excited that we will be able to support entrepreneurs on this journey and that we are joining forces with two strong partners to be able to give these entrepreneurs access to rooms and experiences they have not had before,” says Sofia Breitholtz, CEO Reach for Change.

“If we want new solutions to society’s toughest challenges, we need to make sure the right entrepreneurs get a real shot. This partnership is about turning potential into impact and real business – by connecting entrepreneurs to customers and collaborations they have historically had limited access to,” says Maria Olofsson, Vice President Ignite Nordic.

“Sweden is widely recognised as a leader in innovation, and supporting innovative businesses seeking to scale up is critical to driving economic growth. By backing founders who have historically faced barriers to growth, we aim to strengthen a more inclusive innovation economy—one where opportunity is broader, businesses can thrive, and communities benefit from sustainable job creation. We look forward to this new initiative led by Reach for Change and Ignite Nordic to contribute to a more inclusive innovation ecosystem in Sweden,” says Jonas Wikmark, Co-Senior Country Officer & Co-Head Investment Banking, Nordic region, JPMorganChase.

Step Up open for applications on April 29 through Reach for Change Sweden’s website. The last day to apply is June 10. The program starts in August 2026. 

Want to be the first to know when applications for the program open? Sign up here. 


For more information contact: 

• Julia Rex, Project and Communications Manager, Reach for Change, julia.rex@reachforchange.org / +46 73 926 04 93 
• Maria Olofsson, Ignite Nordic, VP Ecosystem, maria@ignitenordic.org / +46 70 419 11 88 
• Luisa de Simone, Global Philanthropy, EMEA, luisa.desimone@jpmchase.com 

About Reach for Change
Reach for Change is a global non-profit organization that empowers social entrepreneurs with the skills, networks and funding they need to achieve their full potential. Founded in Sweden in 2010, Reach for Change has supported 3.000 entrepreneurs in 18 countries, reaching 5 million children and young people. 

About JPMorganChase
For more than 225 years, JPMorganChase has championed the essential role of banking in communities. Supporting global and local economies by delivering value for our shareholders and investing in the progress of our clients and our employees. Our firm is only as strong as the communities we serve, and we are dedicated to creating opportunities for financial growth worldwide. 

About Ignite Nordic
Ignite Nordic is a non-profit organization that aims to foster innovation and accelerate commercialization by connecting startups to large companies and public organizations. Since its inception in 2017, Ignite Nordic has connected over 1,900 startups with 450+ established organizations from both the private and the public sector, resulting in more than 788 collaborations and business opportunities.