During 2019, Helio started a collaboration with BLING and the contest by För-Orten in order to strengthen the entrepreneurial force around Kista and other suburbs nearby. The goal is to help create new businesses that will in turn contribute to the development of Kista. This means that we will see plenty of new exciting ideas being born, and through the work of BLING, we will create better prerequisites for new companies which will in turn lead to a standing positive change in society.
Tell us about BLING, who are behind it?
The BLING movement was founded in 2014 by Arash Sofia, Adnan Yousuf and Deqa Abukar, as a reaction to the entrepreneurial segregation and as an attempt to drive positive change in society as well as counteract the alienation through good leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. Through BLING, we will increase the opportunities to start a successful business through networking, knowledge, role models, experienced mentors and more, so that it will make it easy to take that first step. We believe in enterprising and entrepreneurship as a source for change and we want everyone to be able to start a business on their own terms.
What change would you like to see in society?
We want a society that is more including, where people can make their dreams come true no matter their background, ethnicity, religion, sex, etc. In order to create an increased participation in society from all directions, we think that you have to start from the ground up. Meaning, that you strengthen the initiative and commitment from a root level. In order to create integration, we need all the good forces that are available.
Why do you think that Kista has this challenge?
The problem is structural. Kista is a place with enormous possibilities and big potential for development for both businesses as well as locals. Our initiative För-Orten has collected a total of 290 ideas from the suburbs. This shows an enormous underlying potential that is available in our suburbs. Unfortunately, the infrastructure to take advantage of this enormous potential is lacking.
What is it like to sit in a coworking space?
We think that networks and cost-efficient workplaces are a deciding factor for entrepreneurs. By sitting in a coworking space, we get direct access to this and much more.
What is your best Kista-tip?
Visit Kista foodcourt and of course, all the exciting activities at Helio.
If you want to read more about BLING, you can do so HERE. Are you also curious about all the different businesses in the competition, you can follow För-Orten HERE or their social media @for.orten
