Portfolio of Solutions: Nordics
Hello Europe in Action
The Hello Nordics Accelerator programme launched in October 2018 as a collaboration between the Ashoka Nordics team, the Hello Europe network, and private sector partners including Nordea, Acando, Oliver Wyman, and Vinge. The programme culminated in a final event in Copenhagen in February 2019, bringing together nearly 200 participants from across sectors.
The accelerator was designed in response to key regional challenges, including migrant unemployment, growing income inequality, and gaps in educational outcomes. Its goal was to support the scaling of proven solutions addressing these issues across the Nordic region.
Through a series of modules held in Stockholm and Oslo, participating social entrepreneurs engaged in trainings, mentoring, and workshops led by thematic experts. The programme concluded with a regional gathering that connected participants with key stakeholders, enabling collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnerships to support scaling efforts.
Ten social entrepreneurs were selected for their proven systemic impact, innovation, and commitment to scale their solutions across the Nordics. These included organisations from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as international actors such as Welcoming International and ACAF/Winkomun. Together, they represent a diverse set of approaches to tackling migration-related challenges through employment, education, inclusion, and community-building.
The programme fostered a strong focus on systems change, with 79% of participants reporting that they gained new insights into systems thinking and intended to integrate these into their work. Following the accelerator, participants have continued to implement their scaling strategies, building cross-country collaborations and securing partnerships and funding to expand their impact across the region.
Ecosystem of Solutions
MITT LIV | Founded by Sofia Applegren (Ashoka Fellow) | Represented by Jimmy Antonsson
THE PROBLEM
Unemployment among minority groups is significantly higher than the national average in Sweden. It can take 5 to 7 years for newcomers to secure employment, largely due to discrimination and a lack of awareness within the host society. This exclusion leads to frustration, segregation, and significant social and economic costs.
THE SOLUTION
Mitt Liv works towards a more inclusive labour market by connecting Swedish companies with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Through mentorship programmes, participants improve language skills, gain knowledge of the labour market, and expand professional networks. At the same time, companies engage in training and workshops to better understand and address diversity challenges.
THE IMPACT
Each year, Mitt Liv supports around 500 individuals with a migration background. Following participation in the mentorship programme, 51% of participants secure employment matching their competences within five months—compared to significantly lower outcomes in public programmes. The initiative contributes to reducing labour market exclusion while strengthening diversity and inclusion practices within companies.
IDROTT UTAN GRÄNSER | Founded by Admir Lukacevic (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
Segregation between immigrant and native communities in Sweden begins early, often reflected in schools where children grow up separated along socio-economic and ethnic lines.
THE SOLUTION
Idrott utan gränser (IUG) empowers children through sports and positive role models. Working with schools, municipalities, and sports associations, it creates inclusive activities during and after school, fostering confidence, participation, and social connection.
THE IMPACT
IUG reaches 26,000 children weekly across 97 schools in six municipalities. After one year of participation, 42% more children feel confident speaking up against bullying, demonstrating stronger self-confidence and social engagement.
CATALYSTS | Founded by Lisa Cooper
THE PROBLEM
Many young people, particularly those with minority backgrounds, lack support in navigating education and employment pathways. Dropout rates remain high, and many are at risk of exclusion from society.
THE SOLUTION
Catalysts connects young people with mentors through long-term programmes focused on self-awareness, skills development, and career guidance. It aims to build bridges between communities and reduce barriers to education and employment.
THE IMPACT
In 2018, Catalysts reached 960 young people across five regions in Norway and established 126 mentoring relationships. The programme helps reduce dropout rates and strengthens pathways to employment, while also shifting perceptions among mentors and communities.
SISTERS IN BUSINESS | Founded by Sandra Tollefsen
THE PROBLEM
Immigrant women in Norway face low employment rates due to barriers such as limited education, language skills, and access to networks.
THE SOLUTION
Sisters in Business creates employment opportunities for immigrant women skilled in sewing, connecting them to markets, partners, and networks. It brings together actors from the private and public sectors to support integration and entrepreneurship.
THE IMPACT
Through partnerships with organisations such as IKEA, the model is expanding internationally. The initiative empowers women economically and socially, strengthening their role within local communities.
STARTUP REFUGEES | Founded by Elisa Vepsäläinen
THE PROBLEM
Refugees often spend years outside the labour market, unable to utilise their skills while economies face labour shortages.
THE SOLUTION
Startup Refugees maps refugees’ skills and connects them with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through a network of over 500 partners across sectors.
THE IMPACT
The initiative has mapped over 2,300 skill profiles in Finland, facilitated 585 jobs, supported 3,500 training opportunities, and helped 60 individuals start businesses. It significantly accelerates labour market integration while unlocking economic potential.
ICEHEARTS | Founded by Ville Turkka
THE PROBLEM
Children facing poverty, addiction, or social exclusion often lack stable support systems, increasing their risk of long-term marginalisation.
THE SOLUTION
Icehearts provides long-term mentorship through team sports, supporting children over a 12-year period across school, home, and social environments.
THE IMPACT
The initiative supports over 600 children across 37 teams and has generated significant social impact, including estimated public cost savings of €9 million. It strengthens long-term inclusion and well-being.
GAME | Founded by Morten Bo Andersen & Emily Ronek
THE PROBLEM
Young people in disadvantaged areas often lack access to structured activities, contributing to exclusion and reduced opportunities.
THE SOLUTION
GAME uses street sports and culture to engage youth, training young volunteers as role models who lead activities in their communities.
THE IMPACT
GAME operates in 9 countries and engages 118,000 children annually. It strengthens community cohesion and builds confidence, leadership, and inclusion among participants.
FORENINGEN NYDANSKER | Founded by Susie Skov Nørregård & Torben Møller-Hansen
THE PROBLEM
Barriers to vocational education and employment prevent refugees and migrants from entering the labour market, despite growing labour shortages.
THE SOLUTION
Foreningen Nydansker supports newcomers through mentoring, training, and partnerships with companies and municipalities, promoting diversity as a strength in the workforce.
THE IMPACT
Active in 52 municipalities, the initiative has built a network of over 100 organisations. In 2018, 60% of mentees secured employment, internships, or education opportunities after participating.