Refugee Employment - Setting up in Business

Latif - a refugee running
his own restaurant

Many refugees come to Britain with a background of working for themselves or running small businesses in their communities. It makes sense to help them set up new enterprises.

The Refugees in Enterprise (pdf) seminar in April 2004 brought together organisations looking at issues facing refugees who want to start their own businesses in the UK. Through 2006, Employability will be building on this work, connecting with existing projects and holding a series of seminars to promote best practice in the UK and to bring refugee-specific barriers to the attention of policymakers.

For more information please contact Beryl Randall

There are a number of initiatives in the UK including:

Islington Enterprise Action is supporting refugees to start social enterprises, providing advice and guidance and vocational training courses.
The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people to set up in business and has a track record of supporting young refugees and asylum seekers.
The Refugee Council is running a new initiative from November 2005 until December 2006 which will improve the uptake and sustainability of refugee enterprises and improve the quality of advice and support for refugees who wish to set up their own business.
RETAS runs regular courses on business start-up for refugees, including advice on writing business plans and help with test trading.

Top