This webinar will launch the Migrant Business Support (MBS) research report, led by ACH in partnership with University of Bristol and the West of England Combined Authority Growth Hub presenting our innovative model of providing employability and business support for refugees and migrants to start, stabilise and/or grow their business and/or move into employment.

You will hear about the three-year delivery model of the MBS project and key findings for best practice to inform policies, decision makers, business support organisations, and refugee support organisations.

Migrant Business Support (MBS) shows that a positive approach to delivering business support services for refugees and migrants can benefit individual entrepreneurs and bring social and economic development to local communities and regions.

Research conducted for ACH by the University of Bristol has shown that between January 2021 and June 2023 more than 560 individuals and their families have received business advice and support from the MBS project.

MBS has brought social and economic benefits to the South West and West Midlands by offering a unique, responsive service. Its partnership with The West of England Combined Authority Growth Hub combines business support expertise with the vision and lived experience of ACH leadership, staff, and the trust of communities. This has filled a gap between mainstream business advice and the needs of refugee and migrant entrepreneurs.

The MBS model for business support helps to develop refugee and migrant entrepreneurship and to address inequalities. This model is effective because, in a form of co-production, it provides cross-culturally aware advice which is both complementary to and actively informs mainstream services, influencing changes that lead to more inclusive business advice.

Places are free but must be booked via Eventbrite.