Are you a visionary founder, an innovation manager, or a public sector professional driving impact-driven entrepreneurship in your region? The Swedish Institute Entrepreneurship Program 2024 is now open for applications. This prestigious Leadership Program, also known as the Impact Pioneers Initiative, offers a fully funded 8-week hybrid experience designed for emerging leaders passionate about advancing locally anchored, socially driven business ecosystems aligned with the SDGs.

Organized by the Swedish Institute in Stockholm, the program empowers changemakers from 20+ countries to gain skills, networks, and practical insights for building the future of inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship. Through interactive online learning and a one-week in-person experience in Sweden’s vibrant capital, participants explore cutting-edge tools for supporting startup ecosystems, driving innovation policy, and collaborating across borders.

This is more than a professional development opportunity—it’s an invitation to be part of a global network of ecosystem enablers who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship for people and the planet.

Host Country:

Sweden

Program Location:

Hybrid (Virtual + Onsite in Stockholm, Sweden)

Program Dates:

• Weekly Online Sessions: August–September 2024

• Onsite Program in Stockholm: October 21–25, 2024

• Final Online Wrap-Up: November 2024

• Total Duration: 8 weeks

Program Themes:

• Entrepreneurial ecosystem design

• Leadership and systems change

• Policy innovation and public-private collaboration

• Social impact acceleration

• Cross-sector partnerships to advance the SDGs

Benefits of the Swedish Institute Entrepreneurship Program

Selected participants will receive a fully funded experience that includes:

• No application or participation fee

• Round-trip airfare to and from Stockholm

• Accommodation, meals, and local transport during the onsite week

• Health and travel insurance during the in-person component

• Opportunities to connect with 50+ peers from 20+ countries

• Access to Swedish startup ecosystems, incubators, and accelerators

• Workshops led by top Swedish innovation leaders and practitioners

• Real-world problem-solving, mentoring, and reflection spaces

• Insights into Sweden’s inclusive approach to entrepreneurship

• A certificate of completion from the Swedish Institute

This is an exceptional opportunity to gain new tools, strengthen your organization, and become part of a growing movement to accelerate entrepreneurial programs that drive local and global impact.

Eligibility Criteria

This Leadership Program is open to individuals who meet the following requirements:

• Must be a resident or citizen of one of the eligible countries listed below

• Must be affiliated with an organization that supports entrepreneurs (e.g., startup incubators, government programs, NGOs, or social enterprises)

• Must hold a role of influence (e.g., decision-maker, program manager, or ecosystem coordinator)

• Must be proficient in both written and spoken English

• Must be eager to contribute to peer learning, network-building, and group reflection

• Must have a defined challenge or opportunity related to entrepreneurship development

• Must be committed to the values of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ideal candidates include:

• Founders or directors of incubation programs or entrepreneurship hubs

• Innovation managers working in public or private sector institutions

• Policy advisors or public officials focused on SME and startup ecosystem development

• Coordinators of regional innovation strategies or SDG-aligned initiatives

Eligible Countries

Participants must be from one of the following countries:

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Estonia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, Vietnam, Zambia

If you are not from an eligible country, consider sharing this opportunity with someone in your network who is. The Swedish Institute prioritizes regional equity and the inclusion of diverse voices across global entrepreneurship ecosystems.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete their submission through the official Swedish Institute application portal, DreamApply. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Visit the DreamApply application platform

2. Register and select: Impact Pioneers ’24: Enabling Impact Entrepreneurship

3. Click “Apply Now” to create your profile

4. Complete all personal and organizational information

5. Answer all program-specific questions with clarity and detail

6. Upload the following required documents:

   • Resume (in PDF format, English, portrait orientation, maximum 10MB)

   • Valid Passport copy

   • Proof of current professional role (letter of employment or affiliation)

   • Any necessary travel documentation

7. Prepare and upload a short video (60–120 seconds, MP3 format, maximum 100MB) that includes:

   • A short self-introduction

   • Your motivation for applying and your entrepreneurial vision

   • How your work aligns with the program’s purpose

   • What you will bring to the Swedish Institute community

8. Review and submit your complete application

9. Watch your inbox for confirmation and next steps

This is a competitive process. Applicants are encouraged to be authentic, specific, and impact-focused in both written responses and video submission.

Application Deadline:

May 31, 2024

All applications must be submitted via the DreamApply portal by 23:59 CET on the deadline date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Make sure to allow time for video preparation and uploading, as this step is mandatory for all applicants.