Refugees and asylum seekers in West Cumbria are being offered support if they want to start their own business.
Cumbria Business Growth Hub has been awarded grant funding for the programme in Allerdale and Copeland.
Support includes group adviser support, an introduction to self-employment course, three-day business start-up course and other free training – all with the aim of providing the skills and knowledge to set up and start a successful business.
Asylum seekers can take up employment if they have not received a decision on their claim for a year or more and they have to apply to the Home Office for permission to work.
Lesley Robinson, head of business support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “Following conversations with a local agency I was made aware of pockets of people with the skills and qualifications to run a business in their home country.
“They really want to run a business here in Cumbria but don’t have a clue where to start and how to set up. We’re delighted to have been awarded a grant to deliver this specific business support programme.
“Nowhere in the county is there a support programme for these underrepresented client groups, so it’s a great privilege to be able to give the advice, support and guidance needed to ensure businesses start up legally, can make a profit, and are given the best possible chance of success.”
As part of this programme there will also be awareness raising activity within the local communities to stimulate interest and desire in self-employment allowing people to consider it as an option to explore further.
The first in-person three-day business start-up course starts on April 18 from 9.30am to 1pm at Whitehaven Foyer at Irish Street. Translator support will be provided.
For more information, email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
