Starting a business is exciting—but it often requires more than an idea. Many migrant entrepreneurs struggle with finding financial resources, support, mentoring, or understanding the system of the country where they now live. The good news is that across Europe, there are grants, training programs, incubators, and support organisations designed to help migrants turn their business ideas into reality.

This blog provides a clear and simple guide to available opportunities and how to access them.

Why Funding Matters for Migrant Entrepreneurs

Migrant entrepreneurs often face:

• Limited access to bank loans or credit history

• Lack of knowledge about national business support systems

• Language barriers while applying for funding

• Low awareness of available grants or training programs

By connecting with the right support system, these challenges can be overcome.

Types of Funding & Support Available

1. Grants and Public Funding (Non-repayable)

These are financial supports that do not need to be paid back, usually offered by governments or EU programs:

• Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE): Offers cross-border mentoring for new entrepreneurs.

• EU Social Fund+ (ESF+): Funds projects that help migrants improve skills and employment opportunities.

• National Start-Up Grants: Many EU countries (Romania, Spain, Estonia, etc.) offer grants for new businesses, especially for youth, women, or migrants.

2. Microfinance and Small Loans

Perfect for entrepreneurs who can’t access traditional bank loans:

• Microfinance institutions like MicroBank (Spain), Patria Credit (Romania), and KredEx (Estonia).

• These loans often require no collateral and offer low interest rates and flexible payments.

3. Incubators and Startup Accelerators

These programs don’t just offer money—they provide training, mentorship, networking, and sometimes funding:

• Impact Hub, Techstars, Startup Refugees, MigraHub

• Some are specifically designed for refugees, migrants, or women entrepreneurs

4. Mentorship and Business Training

• Local Chambers of Commerce

• NGOs supporting migrant entrepreneurship

• Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and EU Academy offer free entrepreneurship courses

MEANS2.0 – Supporting Migrants Beyond Training

As part of the MEANS2.0 project, participants will not only gain digital, AI, and entrepreneurial skills but will also receive:

• Guidance on how to pitch their business idea

• Support to build professional networks and collaborations

• Information on funding, mentoring, and digital opportunities in Europe