# Refugee Startup Labs The Project Offers Mentoring Programs and Funding to Business-Minded Migrants By Alyson Wyers | Published 2016-01-22 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mentoring-programs References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/initiative-cultivate-refugee-startups-finland/) & [startuprefugees](http://startuprefugees.com/) This initiative provides mentoring programs and financing to help refugees start their own businesses. Based in Finland, Startup Refugees was founded by television talk show personalities Tunna Milonoff and Riku Rentala of Docventures. A number of companies and individuals have already supported the venture, which empowers asylum seekers to begin new lives in a new country. The mentoring programs and [innovation incubators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovate-bay) are specifically designed for arriving business leaders, who can contribute to the economy in a positive way and earn money rather than spending time in processing centers. This not only helps [refugees find work](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moving-for-change) and help them land on their feet after a harrowing ordeal, it also allows them to have a beneficial economic impact and get involved in the workforce. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mentoring Programs for Refugees:** By providing mentoring programs, refugees can receive guidance and support to start their own businesses and establish themselves in their new community. - **Financing for Refugee Entrepreneurs:** Offering financing options to refugee entrepreneurs allows them to access the necessary funds to kickstart their business ventures and contribute to the economy. - **Innovation Incubators for Asylum Seekers:** Creating innovation incubators specifically tailored for asylum seekers encourages the development of disruptive ideas and products that can positively impact the workforce. ### Where This Applies - **Social Services:** The social services industry can leverage this initiative to provide support, mentoring, and financing options for refugees looking to start their own businesses. - **Entrepreneurship/startups:** The entrepreneurship and startup industry can embrace and support refugee entrepreneurs by providing resources, networking opportunities, and mentoring programs. - **Immigration Services:** Immigration service providers can collaborate with Startup Refugees to offer tailored programs, guidance, and funding specifically for asylum seekers looking to become innovative entrepreneurs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Refugee-Supporting Workplace Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-employment-for-refugees.md) - [Refugee-Supporting Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-jerrys-sunny-honey-home.md) - [Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-entrepreneur.md) - [Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/growthmentor.md) - [Startup Funding Directories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/credit-for-startups.md) - [Startup Revival Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/failedups.md) - [Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/startup-jobs-by-binh-pham.md) - [Entrepreneurial Support Foundations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ambition-accelerator.md) - [Indie Hacker Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starters-lab.md)