YBI’s SEER programmes support more than 3,000 young refugee and migrant entrepreneurs in Europe

More than 3,000 young refugee and migrant entrepreneurs across France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Sweden have received training and mentorship through Youth Business International’s (YBI) Seeking Economic Empowerment and Resilience for Refugees and Migrants (SEER) programmes, supported by Accenture.

Over 12 months each between 2024 and 2026, the two SEER programmes have helped over 1,000 young refugees and migrants turn business ideas into reality, supporting 915 participants to launch sustainable businesses and helping 252 entrepreneurs strengthen and grow existing ventures.

Designed to support young people rebuilding their lives in new countries, SEER has combined entrepreneurship training, mentoring, employability support and access to vital networks, giving participants the skills, confidence and connections needed to pursue economic opportunities and create sustainable livelihoods.

The most recent SEER programme supported more than 1,000 young refugees and migrants aged 18 – 35 across France, Germany, Ireland and Sweden. Delivered through YBI members Inner City Enterprise (Ireland), KIZ (Germany), NyföretagarCentrum (Sweden), and POSITIV (France), the initiative helped 480 participants start or formally register a business, while 1,286 developed new skills to support their professional and entrepreneurial ambitions.

Additionally, YBI collaborated with our UK member The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN) to develop a comprehensive Toolkit for Refugee and Migrant Entrepreneurship Support. This resource consolidates best practices and actionable insights gleaned from TERN’s extensive experience in supporting migrant and refugee entrepreneurs and has been used by the SEER programme members to enhance their support offers.

SEER demonstrates what is possible when young refugees and migrants are given access to the right support at the right time. Beyond helping individuals start and grow businesses, the programme has enabled thousands of young people to build resilience, strengthen their communities and create new opportunities for themselves and others.

YBI would like to thank our partner Accenture and our members Inner City Enterprise, KIZ, Microlab (Italy), NyföretagarCentrum, POSITIV, and TERN for their commitment to supporting young refugees and migrants across Europe. Together, we have shown how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for inclusion, empowerment and long-term economic resilience.

Anita Tiessen, CEO, Youth Business International said:

“At YBI, we believe that every young person should have the opportunity to build a sustainable livelihood, regardless of where they come from or the challenges they have faced. Through the SEER programmes, more than 3,000 young refugees and migrants across Europe have gained the skills, confidence, networks and support needed to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Their determination and creativity continue to inspire us, and their businesses are creating opportunities not only for themselves, but also for their communities. We are grateful to Accenture and our members for helping make this impact possible.”

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

“Entrepreneurship can be a powerful pathway to economic growth, helping people build resilience, independence and long-term prosperity. Through our partnership with Youth Business International, we are proud to equip young refugees and migrants with the skills, confidence and connections they need to start and grow businesses. The achievements of the SEER participants demonstrate the potential that can be unlocked when people are given access to the right opportunities and support, and we are pleased with the meaningful impact the programme is creating across Europe.”