Scaling Impact
for Lasting Change
First Cohort
10 social enterprises from across Malaysia have been selected to participate, working on diverse areas such as inclusive employment, the circular economy, and sustainable agriculture, all with the goal of uplifting communities that are marginalised.
What’s Next for SEAM Cohort 1 Social Enterprise?
The 10 selected social enterprises are embarking on a one-year journey with SEAM, focused on scaling their impact and fostering inclusive growth. SEAM empowers these enterprises through personalised guidance, business support, capacity building, and accessing funding opportunities. Each organisation has been paired with thought partners—who are IKEA co-workers—offering supportive guidance to the social enterprises, working alongside them to refine strategies and address specific challenges. By sharing their expertise and building connections, they aim to assist the social enterprises in growing their impact at a pace that fits their unique journey. This collaboration is about learning and growing together, with the hope of creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities these enterprises serve.
Empowering social enterprises to scale
Over the next 12-month, the social enterprises will also have access to masterclasses and peer learning sessions tailored to their specific challenges and gaps. These curated learning opportunities aim to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to strengthen their efforts and create a lasting impact in their communities. Through expert-led sessions and collaborative learning, the organisation will be better prepared to scale their initiatives and drive meaningful social and environmental change.
Fostering collaboration for collective growth
Moreover, the social enterprises will collaborate not only within their cohort but also with various stakeholders in the social enterprise ecosystem. This collaborative approach aims to enhance their collective efforts in Malaysia, fostering a supportive network that encourages sharing resources, experiences, and best practices. By working together, we can amplify the impact and contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the social enterprise sector in Malaysia.
Thematic Priorities
The programme aims to empower impact organisations in Malaysia to address these challenges through internal capacity building for businesses tackling the following main issues:
Circular Economy and Waste Management
Renewable Materials and Sustainable Agriculture
Raw Materials and Reforestation
Aquaculture and Marine Conservation
Inclusive Employment
Programme Benefits
Catalyst Opportunity
The SEAM Programme offers ten spots to organisations that show promising potential to scale. By joining our programme, your organisation gains enhanced recognition in the marketplace, showcasing your commitment to social impact. SEAM positions your organisation for future success by refining your business model, strategy, and investor readiness. Additionally, as part of our alumni network, you’ll continue to receive support and opportunities even after the programme ends.
Tailored Business Growth Programme
Our programme is designed to empower impact organisations with personalised guidance and support from seasoned business experts, including IKEA co-workers and industry leaders. These experts offer invaluable insights, advice, and connections tailored to the specific needs of each participating organisation. Through close collaborations, they assist in navigating challenges, developing effective strategies, and maximising impact. Whether it’s refining the business model, expanding market reach, or enhancing operational efficiency, our tailored support programme ensures that participating organisations have the tools and expertise required for sustainable growth and lasting success.
Community Connection
SEAM is a platform to foster collaboration with other impact leaders and stakeholders in the field. It is curated to nurture a dynamic ecosystem between social enterprises, industry experts, private corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and more, to effectively grow the impact landscape in the country. Being part of this ecosystem grants you access to valuable resources and collaborative opportunities that can amplify your impact. Engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions, participate in social enterprise advocacy platforms, and tap into a wealth of knowledge and support to help your enterprise thrive.
Access to Funding
Selected participants will unlock tailored financial support to cover essential business development expenses, empowering them to effectively grow their impact. The funding is designed to fuel their journey, enabling these participating organisations to accelerate growth initiatives with greater efficiency. Each selected organisation will receive funding from a pool of USD 200,000 based on their submitted business plan, improved together with the industry experts.
Catalyst Opportunity
The SEAM Programme offers ten spots to organisations that show promising potential to scale. By joining our programme, your organisation gains enhanced recognition in the marketplace, showcasing your commitment to social impact. SEAM positions your organisation for future success by refining your business model, strategy, and investor readiness. Additionally, as part of our alumni network, you’ll continue to receive support and opportunities even after the programme ends.
Tailored Business Growth Programme
Our programme is designed to empower impact organisations with personalised guidance and support from seasoned business experts, including IKEA co-workers and industry leaders. These experts offer invaluable insights, advice, and connections tailored to the specific needs of each participating organisation. Through close collaborations, they assist in navigating challenges, developing effective strategies, and maximising impact. Whether it’s refining the business model, expanding market reach, or enhancing operational efficiency, our tailored support programme ensures that participating organisations have the tools and expertise required for sustainable growth and lasting success.
Community Connection
SEAM is a platform to foster collaboration with other impact leaders and stakeholders in the field. It is curated to nurture a dynamic ecosystem between social enterprises, industry experts, private corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and more, to effectively grow the impact landscape in the country. Being part of this ecosystem grants you access to valuable resources and collaborative opportunities that can amplify your impact. Engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions, participate in social enterprise advocacy platforms, and tap into a wealth of knowledge and support to help your enterprise thrive.
Access to Funding
Selected participants will unlock tailored financial support to cover essential business development expenses, empowering them to effectively grow their impact. The funding is designed to fuel their journey, enabling these participating organisations to accelerate growth initiatives with greater efficiency. Each selected organisation will receive funding from a pool of USD 200,000 based on their submitted business plan, improved together with the industry experts.
Our Programme Journey
Are you an impact driven organisation creating positive change in Malaysia? Apply now for the Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia and take your impact to the next level!
Join SEAM’s recruitment roadshow in Penang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak to find out more about the programme. Follow Biji-biji Initiative’s Instagram and LinkedIn page for updates on dates & locations!
Interested organisations may start applying to the programme. Refer to the section below on How to Apply.
- Shortlisted organisations will be notified via email to proceed to Phases 2-4 of the application process
- Successful organisations selected to participate in SEAM will be notified via email by 15 Aug 2024
3-Day Opening Summit
Official kickoff for the SEAM 2024 Programme, bringing together programme participants, mentors and ecosystem builders. Expect to be immersed in:
- An in-depth needs diagnostic with thought partners;
- Knowledge Sharing Sessions;
- Networking Sessions;
SEAM Programme journey
Implementation of the 12-month SEAM Programme journey. Participants can expect to:
- Engage in collaborative sessions to outline comprehensive business growth plans with thought partners;
- Receive tailored support to address organisation-specific challenges and opportunities;
- Establish mentorship plans with experienced mentors and business experts to support business growth;
- Receive funding from a pool of USD 200,000 to implement your organisation’s growth plan;
- Participate in a series of masterclasses as well as peer learning sessions aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge;
- Participate in engaging monitoring and evaluation visits conducted by our project team. It’s a chance to showcase your progress, share insights, and receive valuable feedback on your journey.
Closing Summit
Culminating event to celebrate programme participants’ achievements and to foster deeper collaborations. Participants come together and showcase their business, focusing on their social & environmental impact, to ecosystem players.
Partners
SEAM is a partnership between Biji-biji Initiative & IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, with support of IKEA Malaysia. The programme is aimed to strengthen the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Malaysia through comprehensive capacity building programmes, strategic partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
About Biji-biji Initiative
Biji-biji Initiative is a social enterprise founded in 2013 with a mission to redefine traditional business models and address sustainability challenges through creativity, technology, and education. Our core values include articulating intentions through actions and innovation, being bold and creative, embodying humility and authenticity, practising resilience and perseverance, and standing for inclusive and sustainable growth.
About IKEA Social Entrepreneurship
IKEA’s vision is to create a better everyday life for as many people as possible. IKEA Social Entrepreneurship was founded in 2012, assigned to look into how IKEA could include products and services from social entrepreneurs in our offer. In 2018 it was expanded to support programmes that accelerate the movement of social entrepreneurship in general. Supporting social enterprises with a vision to create a more inclusive and equal society, our ambition is to have a positive impact on people’s livelihoods. Today, we back and boost social entrepreneurs all over the world, as well as expand the business we do together. That way, we get to be a part of creating new opportunities for vulnerable people and communities – while fighting the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
My organisation is not registered, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, we are looking for organisations that are a legally registered entity with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) or Registrar of Societies (ROS), with a minimum of two (2) years in operation.
My organisation is not registered as a social enterprise by KUSKOP, can I still apply for the programme?
Yes, you may still apply for the programme. We encourage your organisation to be registered as a social enterprise in the near future.
I am a non-profit and/or community-based organisation. Can I still apply for the programme?
Yes, you may still apply. Our programme is open to organisations with viable business models that aim to benefit marginalised communities through social impact. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
My organisation is not currently in Malaysia, can I still apply?
The application is open to organisations that are operating and based in Malaysia. This means your organisation will need to have an active presence (projects) and create a positive impact on the Malaysian landscape.
By joining this programme, will my organisation be engaged in any business relations with the implementing partners and/or funder?
The programme is fully intended to support and empower participating organisations through financial resources, expert mentors and customised guidance. Your participation in the programme should not be aimed at establishing a business relationship with the implementing partners and/or programme funders.
Is it necessary to have at least two (2) individuals represent the participating organisation for the entire duration of the programme?
Yes. The reason for having more than one representative from each organisation is to ensure that you and your team can collaborate on ideas effectively. Throughout the Tailored Business Support initiatives, we encourage you to also involve your relevant team members in the sessions. Further information will be provided as the programme progresses.
My organisation does not fall under the thematic sectors, can I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply even if your organisation does not fall under the mentioned categories, if you are able to demonstrate that your organisation has a strong social impact in benefiting marginalised communities in Malaysia. Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Will the Opening Summit and mentorship be done virtually or physically in-person?
Both the opening summit and closing summit will be conducted in-person. The individual business support and mentorship will mainly be done virtually.
Are there any costs associated with participating in the programme?
There is no cost incurred to participants to participate in the programme. Costs for any required travelling for the official programme activities will be borne by the programme.
If you have more questions you wish to clarify, please contact us at [email protected]