Gosia Syta from Migrants and Refugees Entrepreneurship Programme on the difference it will make locally

Did you know that 39% of the UK’s fastest-growing startups have at least one immigrant co-founder?

Migrants bring a wealth of entrepreneurial talent to the UK. But the path to success – starting both a new life and a business from scratch – is never easy. I know this because I’ve lived it.

When I moved to London from Poland in 2010 with my partner and two young kids, I tried to continue my work as a freelance legal translator. Back home, I’d worked with global law firms, translating documents for corporate deals that hit the headlines of Polish
broadsheets.

But here? I had no network, no contacts, and no idea where to start. I sent out 300 proposals to translation agencies – only three replied.

Starting over was hard. And it was lonely. I had no idea about business support available in the UK – it was non-existent back home at the time – so I tried to do it all by myself. Not surprisingly, it took ages to get my first business off the ground. If it wasn’t for my partner – his support and, let’s face it, his dependable monthly income – I would have given up and got myself a job.

After several years of living in the UK, I realised how much free business support is available for aspiring entrepreneurs. And how transformative the right support can be. That is why I’m so passionate about the Migrants and Refugees Entrepreneurship Programme,
a first of its kind in Haringey, that we are launching this month.

This programme is designed to give Haringey’s migrants and refugees the skills and confidence they need to turn their business ideas into reality. From writing a business plan and understanding legal matters to managing finances and pitching with confidence – you’ll learn it all. Plus, you’ll be connected to the local business community where you can meet fellow entrepreneurs and potential collaborators.

How did this programme come to be? After eventually building my own translation business, I founded Walk Your Talk, a leadership communication consultancy helping global companies like Aviva and The Guardian increase diversity in leadership. Today, I also work on start-up projects like Haringey’s Business Growth Programme, helping small business owners pitch their ideas to investors and partners.

Migrants and Refugees Entrepreneurship Programme has a special place in my heart. Myself and my business partner, Marta Zukowska, also a migrant, are proud to partner with Haringey Council to deliver this innovative programme in the rebel borough.

We’re also looking for volunteers to mentor or coach our participants – so if you’re a local business owner and want to give back, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s make sure no one has to start their business journey alone.

To apply or find out more:
Visit timetowalkyourtalk.com/mrep

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, or one-off donation.