On April 20, 2022, the German kick-off event of the Enter to Transfom mentoring-program took place. The event was jointly organized and conducted by Train of Hope, FIAP and the Institute for Work and Technology. Romina Große first presented basic facts about refugee and migrant entrepreneurship, which were translated into Arabic by Jamil Alyou. For example, 20% of all entrepreneurs in Germany nowadays have a migration background. In addition, companies of refugees and migrants have many advantages - not only personal, but also for Germany as a business location. Afterwards, the participants of the mentoring program introduced themselves and explained their ideas. 75% of the participants have already acquired experience as entrepreneurs in their home countries. Their plans and ideas covered a wide range of branches ranging from kitchen studio to shoe store or engineering office. The introduction was followed by a presentation of a successful entrepreneur with a refugee background. During the Q&A that followed it became clear that financing and finding places to go to and ask for entrepreneurial advice constitute big challenges. These challenges will be addressed in the mentoring that is to come:
During the online bootcamps and entrepreneurship trainings in spring, various workshops will discuss in detail how companies can be founded successfully in Germany. There will be topic-specific workshops covering all-important aspects of starting a business, such as financing, law or marketing. A pitching event is planned for August, where ideas can be presented. Afterwards the Enter to Transform Project will start with individual mentoring.
After the successful kick-off event, the German Enter to Transform team is looking forward to the following workshops and events.
