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7 December 2017 • editor H|News
How does a refugee become a successful entrepreneur?
In ‘De Haagse Proeftuin’ (The Hague experimental test bed), refugees work side-by-side with a business coach to set up their own businesses. The Hague University of Applied Sciences is one of the organisations that will identify the success factors of this project.
Imagine. You have fled your country. You are recognised as a refugee and get a residence permit in the Netherlands. You may now study and work. You have ideas and talent, are motivated and decide to set up your own business. Then you come up against huge challenges: unfamiliar laws and regulations; the need to write a business plan; and the need to come into contact with investors.
Experimental test bed
In De Haagse Proeftuin, Migrant Inc. links refugees to business coaches that support them in making their businesses a success. De Haagse Proeftuin is an alliance that includes The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the Financial Inclusion and New Entrepreneurship (FINE) research group.
Identifying the success factors
The Hague University of Applied Sciences’ FINE research group and Migrant Inc. are keen to know what the success factors and the pitfalls of De Haagse Proeftuin are. On 29 November, Simone Fredriksz, dean of the Business, Finance & Marketing faculty and Irmgard Jansen, founder and board member of Migrant Inc., signed a collaboration agreement. They will carry out research into the effectiveness and relevance of the approach.
Blueprint
The research will enable Migrant Inc. to present a blueprint in May 2018 that can be applied at wider scale. At the same time, THUAS students and the experienced business coaches can coach the budding entrepreneurs. Head of the research group Klaas Molenaar will give a course called ‘Migrant Entrepreneurship & Financing’ to the staff and advisors of Migrant Inc.

Johanna Westerdijkplein 75
2521 EN Den Haag
Postbus 13336
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mail@hhs.nl