Enterprise and employment for refugees across London
| Dates run: | 2005 - 2006 |
| Boroughs occupied: | Pan London |
| Statistics: | 300 refugees supported |
| Funder: | Learning & Skills Council / ESF |
| Partners: | Community Action Network |
hrough the CAN programme we engage with Refugees from a variety of ethnic groups such as Somali, Rwandan, Bangladeshi, Bosnian, Kosovan, and Chinese.
GLE oneLondon ran a successful project targeting refugees living in London, with "Indefinite Leave to Remain", "Exceptional
Leave to Remain" or full "Refugee Status". Under the project refugees were offered tailored business start up awareness seminars, could receive support in setting up a business
or social enterprise, and access training and support to find a job in the
construction industry.
GLE oneLondon business support services were provided free of charge, and included
both workshops and one-to-one advice sessions covering areas such as
company registration, business planning, legal issues, accessing finance
and marketing, as well as business ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and ICT training.
Key highlights:
- The programme also offered participants the opportunity to access a Test Trade Loan Scheme, whereby individuals could access funds of around £1,000 to explore and test market their product or service before starting a business.
- As part of the project, there was particular help for supporting people starting a business in the construction industry. A training programme was designed to support refugees in achieving an Access Diploma in Construction and get certificates in First Aid, ESOL and Health and Safety.
- GLE oneLondon also provided work experience placements and assisted with job searches.
The results
Over the course of the project, over 300 Somali refugees were supported in setting up their own businesses, or providing them with the skills to do so in the future.
Case study:
In the London borough of Barnet, GLE oneLondon worked in partnership with the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association to provide business support training courses to Somali refugees who had fled persecution and war in their own country.
Somali Bravanese Welfare Association
Our partners:
The project was delivered in partnership wtih Community Action Network, Employment Focus, the Refugee Council and the School for Social Entrepreneurs and was funded by the Learning and Skills Council pan-London European Social Fund programme.
Contact us:
For further information on this past project, please email Carolene on carolene.t@gle.co.uk
