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Empowering Refugee Entrepreneurs: "Starting a Business in Belgium" Webinar Recap

On October 5, 2024, Welcome Home International and Zone Femmes co-hosted a transformative webinar titled "Starting a Business in Belgium." Designed to support refugees and migrants interested in entrepreneurship, the session offered in-depth guidance on the essential steps to establish a business in Belgium. The event was hosted by Lubana Khalid and conducted entirely in Arabic to ensure accessibility for participants, many of whom were newcomers eager to learn about the Belgian business landscape.

The webinar opened with a structured walkthrough of critical topics covered in the NET Refugee project’s Entrepreneurship Guide, including financial planning, legal requirements, and networking tips. By using real-life examples of successful startups, Lubana engaged the attendees and offered practical advice that resonated with the diverse audience. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and aspirations, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone could learn from each other's journeys.

The Q&A session toward the end allowed participants to ask specific questions, clarifying doubts and gaining further insight. This interactive component not only strengthened understanding but also sparked networking connections among attendees.

Key Takeaways and Participant Feedback

Feedback from participants underscored the most valuable elements of the session:

  • Financial Planning: Participants appreciated insights on budgeting, income forecasting, and cash flow management as they began shaping their own business plans.

  • Networking: Emphasis on building local connections and joining business communities was highlighted as crucial for support and mentorship.

  • Legal Compliance: The guide's section on legal requirements was a standout, providing all necessary information in one convenient resource.

  • Personal Branding: For newcomers, guidance on sharing their unique stories resonated as a powerful tool for establishing credibility.

Suggestions for Enhancements

Participants also offered thoughtful suggestions to further enhance future versions of the guide, including:

  • More real-life stories of refugee entrepreneurs to inspire and build relatability.

  • A glossary to simplify complex business terms for beginners.

  • Expanded details on funding options such as microloans and grants tailored for refugee entrepreneurs.

  • Additional focus on digital marketing and e-commerce for online business ventures.

  • Visual aids, like flowcharts or infographics, to make complex topics more understandable.

Further, participants suggested adding tools like a fillable business planning template, a self-assessment checklist for business readiness, and a section on cultural adaptation for Belgium’s business etiquette. Recommendations for affordable or free online tools and mentorship programs were also well-received, highlighting a desire for comprehensive support as they start their entrepreneurial journey.

Conclusion

The "Starting a Business in Belgium" webinar was a meaningful step in empowering refugee entrepreneurs. Through a blend of practical knowledge and community-building, the session achieved its goal of inspiring and educating attendees. The feedback collected will guide future improvements to the Entrepreneurship Guide, ensuring that refugee entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to thrive in their new communities.

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