YBI’s programme supporting young refugees and migrants across Europe enters its second extension

Youth Business International (YBI) is pleased to announce a second extension of its successful initiative, Seeking Economic Empowerment and Resilience for Refugees and Migrants (SEER), supported by Accenture. This is the third iteration of YBI’s effort to support young refugees and migrants with training and resources tailored to their unique needs. This new 12-month phase will be delivered by YBI members across Europe, aiming to support 1,273 young people with the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed.

Tailored support for refugees and migrants

Across Europe, young refugees and migrants can face significant barriers when starting and growing a business. With access to the right skills, guidance, networks and opportunities, they can build sustainable livelihoods, create businesses and jobs, and contribute to the economies and communities in which they live.

About the SEER programme

Since launching, SEER has already equipped more than 3,000 young migrants and refugees across Europe with the skills, confidence and opportunities to pursue entrepreneurship or secure employment, following a pilot and first extension that have supported young people in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Sweden.

This second extension will be delivered in partnership with members of the YBI Network in four countries: KIZ (Germany), Youth Business Spain, NyföretagarCentrum (Sweden), and TERN, (UK). The programme’s targets and aims remain consistent with the previous iterations of SEER, continuing to scale its reach and impact.

The SEER Toolkit

In the initial pilot, YBI collaborated with The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network  (TERN) to develop an eight-module SEER Toolkit for YBI members that would provide them with the guidance to offer a range of support to young migrant and refugee entrepreneurs, selecting the modules that applied to their setting. The training and support that is continuing to be delivered for the SEER initiative incorporates the toolkit training and resources into the member’s support services.

Pat Shelley, CEO of YBI:

“We’re delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Accenture, extending this vital programme for a third time to support young migrants and refugees across Europe. The results so far show just how much talent and potential is unlocked when these young people are given the right support. We remain committed to helping young refugees and migrants integrate into the economies of their host countries, fostering economic resilience and social inclusion.”

Jill Huntley, Global Managing Director – Corporate Citizenship at Accenture:

“Accenture remains committed to advancing growth for young refugees and migrants in Europe. Young displaced people are often highly entrepreneurial but continue to face significant barriers to employment. Building on the success of the programme’s first extension, we’re proud to continue this partnership with Youth Business International and help create pathways to success for even more young refugees and migrants across Europe.”

As SEER enters its next phase, YBI will continue to build on the experience and impact of the programme to help more young refugees and migrants participate fully in their local economies and pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.