Budding entrepreneurs from a refugee background are to be given help to get their businesses started. From January, workshops will be run to support businesses prosper in the city, through a new Home Office-funded pilot scheme. It’s being lead by the Centre for Entrepreneurs, who recently published a report into the value that refugees can bring to the UK economy.

Today, refugees from a range of countries including Syria, Egypt and Uzbekistan, displayed their ideas for businesses that they would like to get off the ground in 2020. They included caterers, tailors, hairdressers, decorators and beauticians.

The businesses will get tailored support, such as help with website design or how to access loans, through the group running the project, Menta. The pilot is being run in Norwich, Ipswich and Peterborough, with the hope of extending it across the UK in the future. John Neild from Menta said: “A warm welcome can be so important and can help build people’s confidence. Once people feel confident, they can showcase their true talents. We aim to give structured support throughout the next 12 months.”

Menta is looking for local business people to get involved as advisers and mentors to support the project. Anyone interested should email [email protected] to find out more.