THE HUMAN SAFETY NET FOR REFUGEE START-UPS

Refugees have the talent and resilience to build successful businesses – but they need dedicated support. The Refugee Start-Ups programme helps refugees flourish as entrepreneurs to integrate them into their host countries.

Millions of refugees have arrived in Europe in recent years, many of whom have the skills, passion and resilience required to be successful entrepreneurs. Integrating people through work is vital to welcoming them into the wider society and will benefit all of us and our whole economies in the future.

But refugees also face special challenges when they start their journey to launch a new business. Many find themselves confronted with complex regulations, a new culture and an unfamiliar business environment. Most lack the networks and resources for making their dream a reality. This new generation of entrepreneurs needs dedicated support.

The Human Safety Net for Refugee Start-Ups programme works side-by-side with refugees to realize their business ideas through training, coaching, and access to work spaces and financing. Over 6-12 months, we support aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them develop concrete business plans, register their ventures and start serving their first customers. They get the opportunity to learn about the business environment in their host countries and strengthen their networks by meeting new colleagues, mentors and business partners. And if entrepreneurship is not the right path for participants, the programme offers professional training and hands-on coaching for jobs needed in their communities.

Today, entrepreneurs supported by The Human Safety Net are setting up businesses that range from restaurants to consulting firms, from language schools to IT platforms. They are contributing to make their local economies thrive.