54 applicants from 21 countries, including Ukraine and Syria, have been accepted to a new online course on Entrepreneurship for Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers being offered by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin).
The course, which commences next week, is being funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and being run by TU Dublin in partnership with the Open Doors Initiative. Applications for the course are now closed.
“Migrants arrive with a variety of education, career and entrepreneurial experiences that can be of benefit to the Irish economy if nurtured effectively," said Thomas Cooney of TU Dublin.
"They also have personal and professional contacts in their home country, plus a deep appreciation of its culture, that offers Irish-based companies a fantastic opportunity to export into new geographic markets.
"This course offers migrants the opportunity to develop an understanding of the processes involved in starting a business in Ireland which can lead to economic and social benefits for themselves and society more broadly.”
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Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of the Open Doors Initiative, said: "We are delighted to partner with TUD on this great course for Entrepreneurs from different backgrounds living here.
“They bring a wealth of knowledge, lateral and creative thinking, which all in Ireland will benefit from. We are keen to support these innovators and help them get their ideas off the ground. It is an honour to work with them and help them fly."
The course requires participants to have a business idea that they wish to evaluate as a sustainable enterprise. During the course, participants will cover many subjects including the following topics:
- Challenges facing migrants, refugees and asylum Seekers becoming self-employed
- Idea evaluation
- Customer relationships and channels
- Clarifying the Value Proposition
- Balancing business and personal well-being
- Key resources and partners
- Developing financial projections
- Test marketing your idea
The module will include a range of guest speakers whose experiences and expertise are relevant to the students. The course will consist of 12 lectures followed by a four-week period to allow for the completion and submission of a business plan.
The course is being offered at NFQ Level 6 of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and successful participants will be awarded 5 ECTS credits.
Participants on the course will be students of TU Dublin and will therefore be eligible to access any of TU Dublin’s resources (e.g. library, disability support services).
Additionally, each participant will be allocated a business mentor through the Open Doors Initiative who will support them with the development of their business idea.
The course will conclude with the presentation of business plans to a panel of potential funders of the business.
While the submission of every business plan will be evaluated for the awarding of 5 ECTS credits, only final business proposals considered sustainable will be eligible to make a presentation for potential funding.
(Pic: Getty Images)
