£1m to launch major project supporting entrepreneurship among non-EU migrants

Refugees and migrants have long been at the forefront of new enterprise and entrepreneurship yet have often left behind when it comes to support available.

A major new project, led by ACH, aims to address this through a tailored two-year programme that starts this month to help existing business and startups launch and expand, with a focus on economic growth through integration.

The Effective Digital Entrepreneurship & Business Support (EDEBS) project has been awarded £1m – in part from the European Union Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund – with hopes it will enable entrepreneurs from non-EU countries in Bristol to unlock new levels of potential.

Fuad Mahamed says the funding about “giving a chance to marginalised people to thrive and not just survive” – photo courtesy of ACH

ACH CEO Fuad Mahamed said: “I am aware of how much business support ingrained within the community is vital for the recovery of our economy.

“I hope we turn the corner and help businesses flourish with this funding combined with the local recovery strategies, government initiatives and funding. This is what this funding is all about – giving a chance to marginalised people to thrive and not just survive.”

ACH is a leading social enterprise specialising in migrant and refugee integration and employment services, with offices on Ashley Road and Eastgate Road. The organisation will lead the programme, along with key partners, including the University of Bristol and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), through its Growth Hub.

The project aims to assist 500 existing businesses or pre-start entrepreneurs, creating economic growth and new job opportunities in the Bristol and West Midlands regions.

Welcoming the project, mayor Marvin Rees said: “I have always been clear that migrants and refugees are enormous asset to our city, so I’m delighted that ACH has secured this funding which will further unlock the contributions that newcomers can make.

“We have been proud to support ACH on the journey as they have developed their approach, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on this and many other projects.”

ACH says the initiative behind the project stems from the recognition of the potential and the current economic contribution non-EU migrants bring to UK society. It will focus on economic growth through integration and mirror social diversity through adjusted business support services to fit the needs of individual entrepreneurs.

It builds on the work of ACH’s Refugee Entrepreneurship Project, understanding the needs of non-EU migrants when it comes to accessibility and barriers to business support services.

The EDEBS project will connect elements such as promoting entrepreneurialism within communities, developing a connection and trust with the business support infrastructure and providing one to one community-sensitive coaching. The programme will also offer access to a network of volunteer mentors, a digital platform for learning and a series of inspirational business talks.

Regional mayor Tim Bowles added: “Our regional recovery plan looks at how we can create opportunities for all our residents and build an inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their potential and secure good, well-paid jobs.

“Working with ACH, we have a great track record helping refugee and migrant entrepreneurs get the skills and support they need to grow their businesses, and this takes that to the next level.”

The project has been part-funded by the European Union Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. Making management of migration flows more efficient across the European Union. The above text reflects ACH’s views only and not those of the European Commission or the UKRA. In addition, neither the European Commission nor the UKRA is liable for any use that may be made of the information contained above.

Main photo courtesy of ACH

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