Global Entrepreneurship Week and ACH's Migrant Business Support Project
This November, from the 14th-20th is Global Entrepreneurship Week! This week, we celebrate empowering entrepreneurship, encouraging new entrepreneurs and bringing ideas together from around the world.
We especially want to use this week to address issues and think about ways to support individuals who face barriers or have never considered launching their own start-up.
This Global Entrepreneurship Week, 4 main themes have been determined. These are #ECOSYSTEMS, #POLICY, #EDUCATION and #INCLUSION - which is also our focus at ACH.
The theme of #INCLUSION is also in harmony with ACH's Migrant Business Support project launched in 2021. ACH, along with our partners from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and the University of Bristol, supports people from migrant backgrounds starting their own businesses from their very first steps. A wide range of support is offered, such as crucial training, one-to-one support opportunities, and information on the necessary legal processes, so that people from different backgrounds can develop their entrepreneurship skills.
ACH supports entrepreneurs in both the realisation of new ideas and the development of existing projects.
Nesrin, Maria and Winny all came to ACH with ideas they wanted to bring to life. With 1-2-1 support, they developed their ideas and learned ways to apply them. They received support for entrepreneurship and gained self-confidence.
Their interests and business plans were completely different. Nesrin's passion is cooking Egyptian food, Mariah learned to crochet as a stress reliever during lockdowns and discovered a passion for art and making handmade products. Since the age of 15, Winny has had a passion for creating and selling African clothing.
There is no single truth here! Different paths are forged according to everyone's passions and abilities.
Now, Nesrin cooks the Egyptian food that she loves, under the name of Nessi Cuisine. Maria produces and sells crochet products under the name of Mariah Craft Art. And Winny opened a store called Ann Winn African Boutique and Jewellery that produces and sells African Clothing products.
The common factor of all of them is that they had the courage to follow their dreams once the necessary support has been provided to them!
ACH’s priority has always been to #INCLUDE different ideas and people from all backgrounds. Here, the richness that different thoughts and experiences add to our world is valued.
This week, we asked our entrepreneurs...
Do you have any advice for people thinking about setting up a business?
"I know it is a challenge and it might not work the first time or the second time, but keep going and it will work. Business is about patience."
Winny - Ann Win African Boutique & Jewellery
“My advice - just go and do it.
When I joined ACH, I had been in the UK for two years so I was still new but the support I received made me feel confident and I want to go outside and meet other people. There are so many opportunities, don't waste your time, just start.”
Maria – Mariah Craft Art
“Come to ACH, because you will find much support even financial and emotional support.”
“Calculate first, what you want. Go to shops, which are related to the business you want to start. Do your market research.”
Nesrin – Nessi Cousine
Not only this week! ACH offers FREE personalised support with the launch or growth of your business. If you’re not sure if you are eligible for our support or would like to find out more, have a chat to one of our team using the contact details:
business.support@ach.org.uk
