projects

Microfinancing for refugee entrepreneurs

Completed
A group of people smile at the camera
Start Date
Total Project Cost
USD 45,000
Country
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
Partner organization
Skylight Ventures

Challenge

In the UK, refugees – especially those with entrepreneurial projects – face barriers to accessing financial services. Despite high demand for tailored support, banking regulations and documentation gaps mean refugees struggle to secure funding for their businesses.

Solution

Skylight Ventures will scale up the UK’s first interest-free microfinance initiative for refugee entrepreneurs, to strengthen an inclusive funding ecosystem that is tailored to the needs of refugee founders at every stage of their business development.

Impact

Through activities including enhanced access to funding, advocacy with existing financial providers to increase financial opportunities, and financial literacy training, up to 13 refugee entrepreneurs will be empowered to advance their businesses and more effectively contribute to their host communities.

Project impact

13
refugee entrepreneurs accessed interest-free microloans (60% of which were women)
11k£
(approx.) in interest-free micro-credit given to refugees, with a repayment rate of 95%
681
people reached online through a financial literacy toolkit