Business Ladies Project, Lapland, Finland
About this good practice
Immigrant women face greater risk of exclusion from society (OECD, 2018). Many families from developing countries have a patriarchal culture where women are seen as caregivers for their homes and children. Staying at home limits women's integration into Finnish society.
Entrepreneurship can improve the economic and social status of immigrant women and accelerate integration into the life of a new country. However, entrepreneurship in a foreign culture and in a foreign language can be really challenging. In Lapland, immigrant women are not sufficiently targeted to support their integration.
Business Ladies project built a supported community for immigrant female entrepreneurs to strengthen the business expertise and grow sustainable business in Finnish Lapland. The project made immigrant women entrepreneurs aware of existing business services. The project has promoted the mutual cooperation and networking of immigrant women entrepreneurs with local women entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
The pilot program included such elements as creative workshops, benchmark-visits, mentorship, pitching for funding and advice. The business and personal needs and goals of immigrant women were considered in every step of the project. The project increased measures for entrepreneurship among immigrant women and promoted sustainable development of their businesses. They were approached with a supportive attitude and a multicultural understanding and with the principles of equality.
Resources needed
European Social Fund (ESF) funding 389,609€.
Evidence of success
The project successfully (proven eg. through received feedback) strengthened the business skills of altogether 89 immigrant women (aim 80) in Lapland, most of whom were entrepreneurs and some dreaming of having their own business. Altogether 3 new companies were established during the project, empowered by the mentors and other entrepreneurs.
The project gained a lot of interest from media (e.g. Lappilainen and Lapin Kansa newspapers). There is also a book to be published based on the project.
Potential for learning or transfer
Better integration of immigrant women into European societies and promoting entrepreneurship would improve gender equality, inclusion, and economies, for which reason such projects as Business Ladies are needed across Europe.
Business Ladies project gained great feedback from both the immigrant women involved as well as the stakeholders. The methods and approach used in the project can be easily transferred to other regions.