New research project reveals far-reaching effects of covid-19 upon refugee & migrant entrepreneurs in Europe
A new transnational research project, ‘the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Support (NES) initiative’, in collaboration with business incubators and support organisations in six countries across Europe, has uncovered and documented the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 upon migrant entrepreneurs and their businesses. While the effects of the pandemic on ‘frontline workers’ are now well-recognised, those concerning ‘frontline entrepreneurs’ have been – until now – under-researched.
But this innovative and ground-breaking study shines a light on the deep-seated inequalities that exist for migrant and refugee businesses across Europe and shows how such inequalities have been exacerbated by COVID-19. In London, for example, 60% of newcomer businesses reported reduced profits and 15% closed their doors within 6 months of the first lockdown. However, it is not all bad news: The project also documents the strength and adaptability of many business owners, with stories and examples of digital innovation overcoming difficulties presented by the pandemic, as well as providing key policy messages for support organisations and policymakers.
The project’s findings will be presented via a live Webinar on Thursday, 27th January from 9:30-13:00 CET — REGISTRATION LINK.
About the project
Micro and small enterprises generate the lion’s share of new jobs in Europe. Businesses owned and run by refugees and migrants make up a growing portion of these new enterprises. However, they often face a number of challenges, including a lack of networks, finance, documentation and language skills.
To help unleash the untapped potential for growth and social inclusion that lies in migrant and refugee entrepreneurship, the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Support initiative accompanied support organisations in the development of new or adapted services to newcomers. Funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, and coordinated by the Migration Policy Group, the project aimed to create meaningful change in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom by identifying support needs, facilitating transnational knowledge exchange and the piloting of improved services.
In terms of numbers, the project involved 7 partner organisations, more than 120 representatives of organisations supporting newcomer businesses, policy stakeholders and researchers, 5 pilot actions and over 90 newcomer businesses that benefited.
The project findings are presented in a Handbook, an online interactive version of the Handbook, a Toolkit, in guidelines to replicate successful models as well as in a series of infographics.
The Handbook also contains practical recommendations for incubators and support organisations, including advice about how to improve their incubation, acceleration and other services, as well as recommendations for the creation of comprehensive support environments.
What was MPG’s role?
As the lead partner in the project, MPG was responsible for leading and coordinating the project, working collaboratively with 7 partner organisations and the funder (the JP Morgan Chase Foundation).
More information about the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Support initiative
The project findings and results will be presented on a live Webinar on Thursday, 27 January from 9:30-13:00 CET. Click here to register.
Alternatively, you can find out more from the project’s website: http://newcomer-entrepreneurship.org/
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.