Business Development Training and Support for Non - Native Small Business Owners - (Inclusive Entrepreneurship for Non – Natives)

<< Background >>The motivation behind our application to receive funding for this project stemmed from recognising, the challenges faced by migrant entrepreneurs, through past interactions with them. Very often, they lack adequate information, resources and support from authorities and relevant stakeholders. These individuals often encounter obstacles in accessing finance, supportive tools, and credit from mainstream institutions for their business ventures, while at the same time they do not have equal access to dissemination and information mechanisms of such support schemes. OECD reports indicate that, despite higher rates of entrepreneurship among migrants compared to the native-born population, migrant businesses exhibit significantly lower survival rates. No wonder why, migrants are a significant part of the so called “Missing Entrepreneurs”. Our proposal aimed to address this disparity by providing practical solutions to enhance non-native entrepreneurs' access to business and funding opportunities. Our efforts aimed to contribute decisively to creating a more balanced entrepreneurial landscape, fostering societal inclusion and cohesion between native and non-native entrepreneurs.<< Objectives >>The overarching objective of the Enter4All project was to address and alleviate challenges associated with origin and social barriers, inequalities, and obstacles hindering access to learning opportunities, as well as provide entrepreneurial guidance and support. The project aimed to significantly contribute to the enhancement of inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination. Additionally, it sought to play a vital role in improving the reception and integration of refugees and migrants into society. By tackling these multifaceted issues, Enter4All aimed to create a more equitable and accessible environment, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among diverse communities.Enter4All’s Activities aimed at the following outcomes for Migrant Entrepreneurs:Become more aware of the existing business opportunities and more confident on how to exploit themDevelop new intercultural, entrepreneurial, and soft skillsEstablish new networks with key stakeholders, with Native entrepreneurs and professionals, and with each otherState and Private Bodies and advisors become more aware of how to support Non-Native entrepreneurs efficiently<< Implementation >>Activity A1: Development and design of a Digital Business Roadmap for non -Native entrepreneursActivity A2: Networking with representatives from Public and Private Bodies relevant to entrepreneurshipActivity A3: Development of e-learning material designed based on the particular needs of non-native entrepreneurs, to be used in tailored webinars or studied independentlyActivity A4: Delivery of 24 tailored webinars Activity A5: Development and Delivery of 24 Networking Sessions Activity A6: Learning Activities for Facilitators : development of fit for purpose training material, capacity buildng of such specialised facilitators (mentors) using a cascade training methodolog) and provision of mentoring sessions to actual or potential non-native entrepreneursActivity A7: Dissemination and Exploitation activities in all the countries involved in the ProjectActivity A8: 1 Multiplier event (The Project's Final Forum) in AthensActivity A9: Project Management<< Results >>Enter4All benefited 185 individuals directly and designed a Digital Roadmap to starting a business in Greece, especially for non-natives’. An innovative and tailor-made curriculum was also produced to guide the development of e-learning material on 6 Educational Units (some in 3 languages) which was then used to deliver 24 online training sessions (webinars – totaling 48 hours in 2 countries). E4A also delivered 24 online networking sessions (in 2 countries) designed to promote awareness, knowledge transfer and effective future collaboration between entrepreneurs and stakeholders. Specialised training material was developed in Portugal and used in Greece to build a community of mentors for non-native entrepreneurs (facilitators). 50 facilitators were trained to provide specialist mentoring services to non-natives. By the end of the project, the facilitators offered mentoring to 66 beneficiaries. E4A’s results were celebrated with 1 green, multilingual, and socially responsible multiplier event. Finally, E4As greatest achievement is the creation of a sustainable community which links migrant communities with Chambers, NGOs, business consultants, credit institutions, Employment Associations and others.