Part of the Consolid8 Social Impact Accelerator 2024-2026
Part of the Consolid8 Social Impact Accelerator 2024-2026
Entrepreneurs Without Borders (EWB) is a U.S.-registered nonprofit, originally founded in Sweden in 2018. We strengthen local economies by helping entrepreneurs replicate and scale proven business models into new regions. Our work focuses on capacity building, operational support, and the development of expansion frameworks that turn strong ideas into job-creating enterprises.
EWB currently operates in 10 countries and we have supported entrepreneurs in an additional 4 countries, building a growing global infrastructure for scalable economic development. Our model serves founders with validated business concepts, local entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities, and communities in need of sustainable job creation.
Our approach is simple: strong ideas already exist — what’s missing is the structure, guidance, and systems that allow them to grow beyond their original market. By providing that missing infrastructure, we help entrepreneurs expand predictably, create jobs, and build long-term economic stability across communities.
Under the leadership of founder Donnie SC Lygonis, an innovation strategist with more than a decade of experience supporting early-stage ventures at KTH Innovation in Stockholm, EWB combines entrepreneurial expertise with a practical, replicable model for growth. Our focus is on scalable impact, not short-term projects — and on building the systems that enable communities to thrive.
We envision creating the next million jobs jobs by rapidly replicating what already works. Our moonshot is simple: build a global engine that turns strong ideas into thriving local economies, no matter where they start.
Our mission is to build the systems that help proven business ideas scale across borders. We provide the frameworks, support, and local partnerships entrepreneurs need to replicate successful ventures and turn them into engines of job creation.
Donnie SC Lygonis is a visionary leader and founder of Entrepreneurs Without Borders, where he has been fostering social change and economic empowerment since 2016. With over 14 years of experience as an Innovation Strategist and Business Coach at KTH Innovation, Donnie has guided researchers and students at Stockholm’s Royal Institute of Technology to transform ideas into impactful products and services. His work is deeply rooted in a passion for global progress, particularly in supporting entrepreneurial women to lead and innovate toward a more inclusive future. Driven by his commitment to exponential technologies, Donnie collaborates with changemakers who aspire to reshape and heal our world. His unwavering dedication is the heart of his leadership, inspiring others to pursue meaningful impact.
Deborah has more than 30 years’ experience in founding, managing and supporting tech start-ups. She has an extensive knowledge in the art of starting and growing a business, building communities and business development. She divides her time between coaching companies as well as running her own startup Friendbase. Deborah serves as both a board member and the CFO at Entrepreneurs Without Borders.
Bita, an Iranian entrepreneur with a background in Industrial Engineering and Entrepreneurship, moved to Sweden to expand her impact and connect with diverse cultures. With extensive experience in scaling startups, she specializes in strategic growth and sustainable business practices, with a strong commitment to female entrepreneurship. At EWB, she is focused on advancing their innovative franchising model across Europe, refining business strategies, and building partnerships with ecosystem builders and sustainability-driven ventures. Through her efforts, Bita supports EWB’s mission to create an equitable and impactful startup landscape throughout the European market.
With 16 years of experience spanning startups, strategy, and education, Mitch is a builder of businesses and communities. He’s co-founded companies in health-tech and gourmet foods, raised early-stage funding, and partnered with global brands—all while championing socially conscious entrepreneurship. As Head of Development at Entrepreneurs Without Borders, Mitch is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs in underserved markets and nurturing the next wave of world-changers. A lifelong learner with degrees in Entrepreneurship and Educational, he believes in the power of big ideas, bold moves, and making a lasting difference in communities across the globe.