FOSTERING IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Recommendations following first Immigrant Entrepreneur Survey in Ireland.

Norma Smurfit and John Cranfield First Step Microfinance with An Tainaiste Michael McDowell

According to First Step Microfinance the number of immigrants looking to start up a business in Ireland has increased significantly in the past two years. In fact First Step Microfinance see immigrant entrepreneurs as one of the most dynamic sectors of new business start-ups and a critical component in immigrant integration strategies. In response to this growing trend, First Step Microfinance has launched findings of a report on ‘Immigrant Micro-Entrepreneurs in Ireland’ together with a recommendation plan for policy development in this area. At the launch First Step Microfinance also called on guest of honour An Tanaiste, Michael McDowell TD to support a recommendation plan developed by First Step Microfinance.

Fostering Integration

Commissioned by First Step Microfinance and funded by EU DG Justice and Home Affairs through the INTI programme as part of an initiative to strengthen and foster integration of immigrants through with a recommendation plan for policy development entrepreneurship in Ireland, the report highlights that Ireland has poor track record promoting ethnic entrepreneurship. While Revenue figures suggest there are 100 ethnic-minority businesses registered each month, there is no official recorded data on definitive number of ethnic business start ups.

Overcoming Barrier

Access to funding is perceived as the greatest single barrier for ethnic entrepreneurs as immigrant applicants receiving a loan is lower than for nonimmigrants. The report suggests that Ireland is out of line with other EU countries regarding immigrant residency status and there are greater barriers for non-national immigrant entrepreneurs who require ‘business permission’ permits. In 2001, 135 business permission permits were granted, while in 2003, only 73 were granted, a clear indication that the number of business permission permits is decreasing.

Armed with existing information, research and the use of focus groups, First Step Microfinance examined these challenges and together with industry experts, EU colleagues and immigrant entrepreneurs themselves, First Step Microfinance has set out a recommendation plan for policy makers in this area.

Thriving Businesses