As refugees look to rebuild, entrepreneurship can offer a path forward

As the migrant crisis unfolds across Europe, the dialogue has focused on the challenges it creates, but as the conversation shifts to livelihoods and integration it should consider the creative drive that the displaced bring with them. Pushed from their homes under dire, often horrific, circumstances, they are inherently forced to reinvent or adapt their livelihoods to their new situations.

Some are able to channel those creative and adaptive skills into starting a new business but it is not easy. Entrepreneurs often need help to get the initial spark necessary to help launch their small businesses.  

In countries decimated by conflict and war, the task is multiplied. Formal employment opportunities are often limited, leaving small startup businesses to fill the void. But traditional bases of early business support — banks, associations, consultancies — are often either too weak or absent in fragile, conflict-affected states. Many potential entrepreneurs lack a conventional commercial skillset to expand their reach.