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Title: Refugee entrepreneurship development: a case study of capability training program in catering services

Authors: Jukka Ojasalo; Maria Ekström; Joonas Koski

Addresses: Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Vanha Maantie 9, 02650 Espoo, Finland ' Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Vanha Maantie 9, 02650 Espoo, Finland ' Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Vanha Maantie 9, 02650 Espoo, Finland

Abstract: The purpose of this empirical study is to extend knowledge of and propose a model for capability building for refugee entrepreneurship. It introduces a model of training and learning program for capability development for refugee entrepreneurship. The model covers the whole path from the beginning to the phase of established business. This research is a single-case study based on qualitative theme interviews and focus groups from which the data were collected. The informants are persons involved in a program facilitating refugees' inclusion in society through entrepreneurship. The study finds that refugees starting an enterprise, most importantly need empowerment, learning by doing, and connections to other people. The hands-on facilitation and entrepreneurial co-creation are particularly powerful with refugee entrepreneurs. These principles are embedded in the model proposed in this study. The research implications of this study relate to refugee entrepreneurship and its development.

Keywords: refugee entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship training and learning; entrepreneurial development; entrepreneurship program; catering services; co-creation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2023.134683

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2023 Vol.22 No.4, pp.366 - 390

Received: 22 Aug 2022
Accepted: 10 May 2023
Published online: 03 Nov 2023 *