When someone is forced to flee their home, they leave behind more than a place — they leave
behind networks, livelihoods, and often, a sense of stability. But what many refugees don’t leave
behind is their drive, creativity, and resilience. These are the same qualities that make great
entrepreneurs.
That’s why entrepreneurship programs for refugees are so important. They’re not just about
launching businesses — they’re about restoring agency, creating opportunity, and opening doors
where too many are closed.
Starting a business is one of the few ways many refugees can support themselves and their families, especially in places where legal barriers limit formal employment. But doing so is never simple. Language barriers, lack of credit history, unfamiliar markets, and limited support systems all stand in the way. Well-designed entrepreneurship programs can help bridge that gap. They offer more than just training — they connect people to mentors, funding opportunities, digital tools, and community networks. Most importantly, they help refugees build confidence in their ability to shape their own future. For example, the OECD found that self-employment is often one of the few viable options for economic participation among refugees and that tailored support significantly improves outcomes, especially for women and youth (OECD, 2019)
When refugees start businesses, they create jobs, contribute to local economies, and strengthen social cohesion. Often, these businesses also serve their own communities, filling cultural,
linguistic, or service gaps in ways no one else can. In that way, refugee entrepreneurs often become essential connectors between displaced and host populations. The global nonprofit Tent Partnership for Refugees reports that refugee-owned businesses not only boost economic activity but can help shift public perception by showing what refugees can
achieve when given the chance (Tent, 2023). And beyond economics, the impact is personal. For many refugee entrepreneurs, their business represents dignity, purpose, and a way to reclaim control over their lives. That’s something no one should underestimate.
If we want to unlock the full potential of refugee entrepreneurship, we need to go beyond one-off workshops or temporary grants. Long-term investment, inclusive policy frameworks, and partnerships between NGOs, funders, and local communities are key. We also need to center refugee voices in program design and decision-making, because they know best what they need. At the Afghan Future Fund, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to build more inclusive, resilient futures. By supporting refugee-led innovation, we’re not only helping individuals
rebuild their lives — we’re also investing in stronger, more connected communities.