MIGRAVENTURE, ITALY

The MigraVenture Programme targets immigrants from Africa legally living in Italy.  It is open to applicant from all African countries but puts a special focus on immigrants from countries prioritised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and on women entrepreneurs. Business ideas must demonstrate a positive social, economic and environmental impact, and special interest is paid to businesses who will cooperate with other firms in Africa or Italy. Candidates submit a proposal including a description of their business idea and a detailed business plan. The proposals are evaluated by a team of experts who select the most compelling ones based on the quality of the business plan, the foreseen medium-term profitability and social, economic and environmental sustainability of the business.

Successful candidates receive support in three phases. First, aspiring entrepreneurs participate in a training programme in Italy. The group training covers business idea development, management skills, and how to develop potential entrepreneurial projects in Africa. During this phase, participants refine their business ideas. In a second phase, entrepreneurs with the most viable projects receive individual coaching. The best projects are presented to a network of potential investors and selected projects also receive micro-capitalisation from the MigraVenture fund. In a third phase, projects are followed up and monitored, and technical assistance is provided in all countries where the business activities are implemented.