A pilot scheme which aims to encourage refugee entrepreneurs to establish businesses has been launched in Staffordshire.
The pilot is part of a one-year programme jointly funded by the Home Office and The National Lottery Community Fund, which will be overseen by the Centre for Entrepreneurs (CFE).
It will be delivered by the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce who will work directly with the refugees and established local businesses.
The pilot will deliver tailored start-up programmes that will take refugees from idea stage to the launch of their business.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce chief executive Sara Williams said: "We are excited to support refugees from across Staffordshire with developing their ideas, entrepreneurial spirit and business techniques to start and develop a successful business, through our dedicated bespoke support programme.
"The support and funding from the Home Office and The National Lottery Community Fund, together with the support from CFE has helped to make our project a reality and will have a big impact on refugees across our county."
The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will provide comprehensive support for 40 refugees and will build on extensive experience in business support. Drawing on their networks, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will also deliver mentoring support via volunteer entrepreneurs.
They will also share the results of the project with the network of 52 accredited Chambers of Commerce across the country.
The pilot in Staffordshire is part of four programmes across the UK, with others based in Bristol, East of England and Belfast.
The scheme will cost £360,300 - with £210,000 covered by the Home Office and the remaining £150,150 paid for by The National Lottery Community fund.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "The UK has world leading resettlement programmes which provide sanctuary to thousands of the most vulnerable refugees every year.
"It is vital that these refugees are given the best chance to flourish. This project will help them to build businesses and make a real success of their new lives in Staffordshire."
Mark Purvis, deputy director England at The National Lottery Community Fund, added: "By putting people in the lead and championing entrepreneurship, this project, made possible by National Lottery players, will support refugees to fulfil their potential and thrive."
