The University of Worcester has launched new initiative to help entrepreneurs in Evesham overcome barriers to starting and growing businesses.
Attendees of the launch
The project, developed by researchers at the University’s Business School, aims to address longstanding challenges faced by migrant entrepreneurs, including difficulties accessing support, navigating systems and building trust in institutions.
Dr Laila Kasem, who specialises in ethnic minority and refugee entrepreneurship, said the initiative is a direct response to research highlighting gaps in support and ensures communities in Worcestershire directly benefit from the impact of that research.
She said: “We want our research to make a real difference in people’s lives. We know there is a huge amount of entrepreneurial potential, but many people face barriers in accessing the support that is available. Our aim is to work with entrepreneurs themselves to understand those barriers and design something that truly works for them.”
The University is working with partners including Worcestershire Growth Hub and Evesham Place Board to deliver the project, with a focus on engaging entrepreneurs from the town’s Polish business community, combining research insight with local expertise and business support networks.
The University will be working directly with business owners to shape future support. At an event held in Evesham the University brought local entrepreneurs together to share their experiences and highlight the barriers they face in starting and growing businesses.
The session focussed on listening to business owners and identifying practical challenges, helping to shape future support around their needs.
“The idea is to listen first,” said Dr Kasem. “We want to understand their pain points, whether that’s navigating the legal system, accessing funding, or simply understanding how things work here, and then we can co-create solutions with them.”
Local leaders say the project could play a key role in supporting the future of Evesham’s high street.
Phil Maclean, Chair of Evesham Place Board, believes the town already has a strong foundation of entrepreneurial talent, particularly within its Polish community, but that better support is needed to help businesses grow and attract further investment.
“We’ve got some fantastic businesses here already,” he said. “You take them away and the town would really struggle. What we need to do now is create an environment where more entrepreneurs feel confident to invest and succeed.”
He added that many businesses are held back because of the complexity of systems and a lack of awareness of available support.
“Even for people already in business, funding and support systems can be difficult to navigate,” he said. “So, for someone who is new to the country or system, it can be a real barrier. This project is about breaking down those barriers.”
By combining research with partnership working and directly engaging with entrepreneurs, the University hopes to demonstrate the impact that research can have on communities.
Dr Laila Kasem said: “This is about translating research into a really meaningful impact. If we can help businesses survive and grow, that has a ripple effect; it can create jobs, it can strengthen communities and it can contribute to local economies.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk