EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Improving the professionalism of immigrant entrepreneurs

Improving the professionalism of immigrant entrepreneurs

Introduction

Werelds Ondernemen (Worldly Undertaking) is an initiative aimed at improving the based in Amsterdam. The project improves the ability to organise and encourages the participation of entrepreneurs in existing and new networks.

Problem

How can the organisational ability of immigrant entrepreneurs be improved?

Description

The needs of immigrant entrepreneurs have been mapped by research conducted among 400 immigrant entrepreneurs in Amsterdam. This research also produced a database of all the entrepreneurs willing to contribute to the research. Via this database entrepreneurs are quickly informed regarding developments in Amsterdam.

The conclusions of the research are published on the Werelds Ondernemen website. This website provides up-to-date information for immigrant entrepreneurs in Amsterdam. The website functions as an information centre for practical information on entrepreneurship.

Approach

Activities meeting the requirements of immigrant entrepreneurs are organised on the basis of the conclusions and recommendations of the research. The objective of these activities is to improve the professionalism of immigrant entrepreneurs.

In addition, the initiative encourages entrepreneurship among immigrant youths and the project strengthens the existing networks and facilities for immigrant employees. Examples of these activities are:

a competition to find the best entrepreneurial plan;
network meetings;
an informative film about ventures in Amsterdam;
the appointment of Change Agents, who tackle specific problems decisively.

Results

Werelds Ondernemen encourages joint ventures and networks of entrepreneurs. This improves the organisational ability of middle and small-sized enterprises, providing a boost to the development and further professionalisation of the enterprises.
Werelds Ondernemen develops new initiatives for better mutual cooperation between entrepreneurs.
Links with existing organisations of entrepreneurs such as MKB Amsterdam, branch organisations and shopkeeper associations are improved through the activities.
Werelds Ondernemen improves contact between entrepreneurs and educational institutes.

Contact info

Mex-it (advisory agency for intercultural management)
M. Baba, tel. +31 20 4750000

Project start date

01/09/2004

Links

Mex-it (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Business support