Refugee entrepreneurship development: a case study of capability training program in catering services

Abstract

The purpose of this empirical study is to extend knowledge of and propose a model for capability building for refugee entrepreneurship. It introduces a model of training and learning program for capability development for refugee entrepreneurship. The model covers the whole path from the beginning to the phase of established business. This research is a single-case study based on qualitative theme interviews and focus groups from which the data were collected. The informants are persons involved in a program facilitating refugees’ inclusion in society through entrepreneurship. The study finds that refugees starting an enterprise, most importantly need empowerment, learning by doing, and connections to other people. The hands-on facilitation and entrepreneurial co-creation are particularly powerful with refugee entrepreneurs. These principles are embedded in the model proposed in this study. The research implications of this study relate to refugee entrepreneurship and its development.