Entrepreneurs from the region’s migrant and refugee communities have shared inspirational stories and business advice at a special event held by Ashley Community Housing (ACH) and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
More than 30 business people – most of whom were from a from a migrant or refugee background – soaked up the atmosphere and networking opportunity at Barton Hill Settlement, Bristol, on 12 September and were moved by the empowering testimonies of the inspiring speakers.
Great to be at the @WestofEnglandCA Community Business event today – a great opportunity to hear from the entrepreneurs that have made Bristol their home and the organisations supporting them to do so #inclusivegrowth https://t.co/gMRjlyJSy6 pic.twitter.com/LsUYTmMy6n
— Bristol and West of England Initiative (@BW_Initiative) September 12, 2019
The Community Business Support event was opened by Regional Mayor Tim Bowles, who spoke about the support available from WECA, including the West of England Growth Hub, and the value of everyone working together to ensure that, as the region’s economy grows, everyone can benefit and achieve their potential.
Adriene Layne, the double award-winning owner of YelloButterfly Communications was one of the community entrepreneurs who gave an inspirational speech about bridging the gap between the literate and pre-literate worlds.
Adrienne Layne, comunity #activist and inventor told us her story all about overcoming obstacles and finding #innovative learning tools to combat illiteracy…’my aim is always to inspire people to get over their hurdles, to live their best lives’ 👏 pic.twitter.com/V8ZG13N5fT
— ACH (@ACHintegrates) September 12, 2019
ACH’s Chief Executive, Fuad Mahamed, gave an insight into the Entrepreneurial Outreach Project, supported by WECA, Engine Shed, Bristol University and the Barton Hill Settlement.
‘we need to believe in more…we should provide support services…and understand how better to engage refugee and migrant businesses with mainstream services’ – our CEO Fuad Mahamed on #community business support pic.twitter.com/BlvZNkXcWw
— ACH (@ACHintegrates) September 13, 2019
Really proud of the work of our partnership with @ACHintegrates @wearegrowth @BHillSettlement and @BristolUni supporting #entrepreneurs communities that are under represented https://t.co/8erbaMAYA6
— Engine Shed (@EngineShed_BB) September 12, 2019
Two thirds of the entrepreneurs who have engaged with the Entrepreneurial Outreach Project over the last 12 months are women. Muna Abdi, Director of Primeway Care, spoke about the successful business she set up in 2014. Her company now employs over 60 people in Bristol, many of whom are from the refugee community, and is currently expanding into London.
‘Bristol needs to open the doors’ to refugee community businesses – Muna Abdi, Director of Primeway Care has delivered an inspiring and #empowering speech all about positive change for our communities @wearegrowth @WestofEnglandCA pic.twitter.com/f36Ddl8nT4
— ACH (@ACHintegrates) September 12, 2019
WECA’s West of England Growth Hub and ACH have supported a diverse mix of businesses from across many different sectors; including food, tech and entertainment.
It has been great being part of the Entrepreneurial Outreach Project with our friends @ACHintegrates & partners. We heard from inspiring speakers, empowering their peers to work towards their dreams. #Entrepreneurship #Community #BAME #Partnerships https://t.co/K6j4hqkQ6D
— West of England Growth Hub (@wearegrowth) September 12, 2019
Paul Forster, Community Manager at SETsquared also spoke about the continued support for migrant and refugee communities.
Massively inspirational event @BHillSettlement today celebrating BAME businesses helped by @ACHintegrates. Some truly amazing local entrepreneurs. Thanks for letting us talk about the work we’ve done to open our doors to the wider community.
— SETsquared Bristol (@SETsquared_Br) September 12, 2019
To find out more about the wide range of business support available, please visit:
- ACH: ach.org.uk/
- West of England Growth Hub: wearegrowth.co.uk