EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Encouraging immigrant entrepreneurship in Haarlem

Encouraging immigrant entrepreneurship in Haarlem

Introduction

This report provides insight into the current group of immigrant entrepreneurs in the city of Haarlem. Drawing up this statement of affairs should result in recommendations as to whether and how the city can support immigrants.

Description

Which current initiatives can Haarlem utilise and which new projects can the city begin in order to encourage entrepreneurship among immigrants? The city should pay more attention to immigrant entrepreneurs. This specific target group must be actively monitored and supported. Communication is crucial in this process.

Conclusions

The primary conclusion is that more attention should be paid to immigrant entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are facing the problems any entrepreneurs face, but in addition they have problems that are specific to immigrant entrepreneurs.
In general, an immigrant entrepreneur’s operational management skills are not as good as that of a native Dutch entrepreneur.
Immigrant entrepreneurs have a limited network, usually confined to just friends and relatives.
Immigrant entrepreneurs do not get all the information they need in terms of government regulation on, for example, taxes, subsidies and zoning plans. Fewer immigrant businesses ‘survive’ their first year compared to businesses run by native entrepreneurs.
It is proposed to set up a temporary project to encourage immigrant entrepreneurs. The basic tasks of this project group will be to organise information sessions and lend advice and support to immigrant entrepreneurs.

Contact info

City of Haarlem
Phone: +31 23 5113000
info@haarlem.nl

Publication date

31/05/2002

Researcher

A. Brouwer and B. Imoula

Links

City of Haarlem

Analysis and solutions for the stimulation of immigrant entrepreneurs in Haarlem. Final Report (PDF, Dutch, 765KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Business support