SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS CREATION FOR PEOPLE FROM A REFUGEE BACKGROUND

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1 SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS CREATION FOR PEOPLE FROM A REFUGEE BACKGROUND

2 About Ignite Small Business Start-ups Ignite Small Business Start-ups is a NSW-based initiative of Settlement Services International (SSI) that facilitates small business creation primarily for people from a refugee background, driven to start their own business or expand an existing one. Many recently arrived refugees face significant barriers to employment, in particular during the early stages of their settlement. Studies show that people from a refugee background display strong entrepreneurial qualities, with a higher than average proportion engaging in small and medium business compared to the general Australian population. However, research indicates that even after three years in Australia, one third of refugee-humanitarian entrants remain unemployed. Ignite Small Business Start-ups taps into the entrepreneurial skills, knowledge and experience of refugees by supporting them to navigate and succeed in the Australian business environment. Ignite Small Business Start-ups uses an evidence-based model developed by the Sirolli Institute and is the first project of its kind to focus on refugees. Sima Mahboobifard Bags of Love and Peace Ignite Small Business Start-ups is a NSW-based initiative of Settlement Services International (SSI) that facilitates small business creation primarily for people from a refugee background, driven to start their own business or expand an existing one. Cover image: Isha Kamara Canary Films

3 Ignite Small Business Start-ups Works with refugees who are passionate about starting or expanding a business Provides free and confidential support in locations that best suit the client Supports capacity building and networking for businesses in areas such as product development, marketing, and financial management Assists with barriers such as language, transport, and meeting venues Works with a Resource Team that assists with Australian business and market knowledge George Panayi Food Lovers Australia No business ideas are considered too big or too small. To date, ideas have included: catering photography and film making handmade leather goods health and fitness fashion cleaning services Ignite Small Business Start-ups works with refugees who are passionate about starting or expanding a business.

4 How Ignite Small Business Start-ups works The program is staffed by Enterprise Facilitators and mentored by a Resource Team. Passionate entrepreneurs are referred to the Enterprise Facilitators by SSI case managers, Migrant Resource Centres and other organisations working with refugees in NSW. Join the Resource Team Ignite Small Business Start-ups is mentored by a Resource Team, made up of stakeholders from the community including local business owners, members of local councils, community organisations and chambers of commerce. About Settlement Services International SSI is a leading not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services in the areas of humanitarian settlement, accommodation, asylum seeker assistance, foster care and disability support in NSW. Our vision is to achieve a society that values the diversity of its people and actively provides support to ensure meaningful social and economic participation and to assist individuals and families reach their potential. SSI works closely with its volunteers, community organisations and stakeholders to provide support and links to activities that help clients to successfully integrate into the Australian community. SSI is committed to ensuring that vulnerable communities, including refugees, humanitarian entrants and asylum seekers, in NSW are supported and resourced to fulfil their potential as members of the Australian community. Members of the Resource Team, who meet monthly, provide their expertise, business knowledge and skills to the fledgling entrepreneurs with the aim of broadening their knowledge and understanding of issues including local laws, suppliers and business networks. Passionate entrepreneurs are referred to the Enterprise Facilitators by SSI case managers, Migrant Resource Centres and other organisations working with refugees in NSW. Maria Sorkhi Fly Trap Photography

5 Contact Us For more information about Ignite Small Business Start-ups or to join the Resource Team please contact: Honey Muir Senior Project Officer Level 2, 158 Liverpool Road Ashfield NSW 2131 t: (02) e: Saida Badreddine Sou Sou s Place