The program starts in October for newcomers. The aim of this accelerator is provide participants with guidance in a short and intense period of time, test and realize their business ideas, and help them launch their service or product to market.

“Many of the new arrivals are entrepreneurs and have experience from their home country to run a business. It is their valuable competences and resources that we want to take advantage of, “says Sofia Franzén, CEO of Drivhuset.

The idea for a new accelerator in Malmö occurred when Drivhuset met with Arbetsförmedlingen to talk about what needs they saw among the new arrivals.

“We have seen a need for a new accelerator in Malmö focusing on new arrivals. Many of those who come here in recent years carry their dreams and ideas they want to implement. With Grit Malmö, we hope to give these people a platform where they can test their ideas and spark new projects and businesses, “says Sofia Franzén in Drivhuset’s News. 

Grit Malmö will last for three months in the fall and will begin from Malmö City Library. During these months, participants will work with their business ideas as well as take part in lectures and workshops.

The application process is now up and running and Drivhuset together with Arbetsförmedlingen will work over the next week to hand-pick 20 delegates for Grit Malmö program. It will be exciting to see what kind of talent Grit Malmö brings forth in the startup community.

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Franzén founded Owegoo in 2013. The travel site stands out from the regular booking sites by focusing on what people want to do on a vacation instead of the location itself. By searching for different activities they would like to do on their trips, the site recommends possible locations. The rest of the travel planning process, such as booking accommodation and flights can also be managed through the service.

Even though Franzén resigns as CEO, she still remains board member of Owegoo. It is yet to be announced who takes over as CEO after the founder of the company.

“It is difficult to leave a company that one is passionate about, but i think it will be better for both me and Owegoo. In the last six months, I wondered whether I want to run a startup or not. I still think a lot about Owegoo, however I feel my talents are better suited at Drivhuset.” – explained Sofia Franzén to 8tillse.

The new CEO believes that Drivhuset plays an important role in the startup ecosystem of Malmö. The organisation provides education and a meeting place for young entrepreneurs-to-be. It is part of Drivhuset Sverige, an umbrella organization that has fourteen member organizations across the country. So far, the Malmö-based organization has helped over 1 000 new businesses to launch and held almost 4 000 coaching events.

“I can’t wait to see others realize their dreams and ideas. When I was offered this job, it felt just right.” – said Franzén to 8tillse.

Franzén has been deeply involved in the startup community of Malmö. Besides having founded her own startup, she is a board member of Malmö Startups and Young Entrepreneurs of Sweden, runs a weekly podcast about entrepreneurship and founded Women Founders Breakfast.

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