Entrepreneurship as a Tool for a New Beginning – Entrepreneurship Training for Refugees in a New Homeland

Abstract

One way to support the livelihoods of refugees and their families is to support them in regard to labour market integration, including as entrepreneurs, through which they in turn can contribute to the society and economy of their host country. As they may lack specific knowledge of and information about the respective business and regulatory environment, effective and targeted business support schemes have an important role to play in this process. This chapter is the result of qualitative research on the pilot phase of such a programme in the Netherlands called ENPower. Based on semi-structured interviews, the participants and triangulation of findings with observations of key stakeholders, the results show that this programme managed to achieve its goal of supporting refugees to develop a viable business plan. Moreover, participation reinforced the refugees’ personal development and empowerment, showing the potential of such support to contribute to the fulfilment of SDG 8.