Background information

The initiative aims to support individuals with a refugee background in Estonia to develop or relaunch their businesses. It is a 3–4 month programme organised by the Estonian Refugee Council (an NGO) in partnership with Wise (a private company), and is funded by Wise.

As of spring 2025, the second round of the programme is currently underway. The first round took place in 2024 in collaboration with Baltic Innovation Agency (private company).

Content of measure

The programme is open to all people with a refugee background living in Estonia who have established a small or medium-sized enterprise in the country or have prior entrepreneurial experience. The training is divided into five modules, covering the following topics: Legal, ethical, and cultural aspects; Strategic business development, financial planning, and funding opportunities; Partnerships, sales, and customer relations; Marketing and brand creation; *Digital tools and artificial intelligence.

The programme includes training sessions, mentoring support, and study visits to local companies.

The first round was co-financed by the European Union in the amount of €103,899.87. There is no info of the amount in the second round.

Use of measure

In the first round in 2023-24, 30 individuals participated, all of whom were Ukrainians. In 2024, the programme was aimed at individuals living in Tartu and Jõhvi. Three of the best businesses in the programme received a prize of €1,000.

The current programme of 2025 can accommodate up to 25 participants. There is currently no further information.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Start-ups	Migrants or refugees

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Company / Companies Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)	Companies European Funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	No involvement
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

There is no social partner involvement.

Views and reactions

Social partners have not expressed any views.

Sources

• 08 February 2024: The Boost entrepreneurship programme reached the finish lin (www.pagulasabi.ee)
• 09 January 2025: ERC launches the second round of the “Boost” entrepreneurship programm (pagulasabi.ee)