Refugees into Business

Refugees into Business (RiB) helps people from refugee backgrounds who are in business, or who want to set up a business. It was started by ChangeMakers Refugee Forum and covers the Wellington region.

A panel of advisors, made up of experienced business people, use their skills and experience to provide business advice to new and emerging businesses run by former refugees.

RiB helps the prospective entrepreneur by providing:

an opportunity to “test” their ideas and identify challenges
information and links into specialist services
a mentor to support them to set up or grow their business
a free service
a confidential service.

Are you a Work and Income client who is thinking of starting your own business?

ChangeMakers has an opportunity to support 10-12 people from refugee backgrounds who are Work and Income clients to set up a business.

Enrol in our Refugees into Business programme and get the opportunity to be part of Work and Income’s programme Be Your Own Boss. If your business plan looks achievable, Work and Income may be able to assist with start-up funding for your business.

If you are interested then:

Step 1:         Contact us about your idea

Step 2:         Enrol in our Refugees into Business programme

Step 3:        Complete our Refugees into Business questionnaire and present your idea to
                     our Advisory Group

Step 4:        Apply to be part of Work and Income’s tailored Be Your Own Boss programme
                     for refugee background clients receiving a main benefit from Work and Income

Step 5:         If selected complete the Be Your Own Boss programme over 4 weeks (10- 12                          hours per week)

Step 6:         Write a business plan with support from a mentor

Step 7:         Present your business plan to Work and Income and apply for funding

Step 8:         If your plan is approved, you will receive financial support and capital from
                      Work and Income to start your business

The process of RiB is totally confidential and business proposals will not be discussed with others without your agreement.

For more information contact ChangeMakers’ Community Development Worker, email Mohammad Ali Amiri at mohammad@crf.org.nz or call him on (04) 801 5812