The Social Entrepreneurship Index
Barriers and Opportunities in Spain
Migrant Integration through
Social Entrepreneurship
Case: Spain 🇪🇸
Effective migrant integration is crucial for social cohesion and economic development in host countries. Spain has experienced a significant rise in migrant arrivals, which presents both challenges and opportunities for integration. This policy brief examines the potential of social entrepreneurship as a tool for promoting migrant integration in Spain.
Spain has become an attractive destination for migrants seeking improved economic prospects and refuge. While the government has implemented integration policies, innovative approaches are required to address the complex challenges associated with migrant integration. Social entrepreneurship offers a promising avenue to foster inclusivity, economic empowerment, and social cohesion among migrants in Spain.
The Think Social! consortium’s desk research on migrant integration in Spain has gathered several data points, which after the analysis crystallized into the following conclusions:
Self-employment of migrants
The economic crisis in Spain brought about structural changes in the labor market for immigrants. Employment opportunities shifted from the Construction and Industry sectors to the Service Sector. This shift created an opening for ethnic minority self-employment and entrepreneurship as traditional avenues for employment became limited (Oliver Alonso, 2013).
The contraction of the labor market and the challenges in finding traditional employment pushed many unemployed individuals towards self-employment. This situation led to necessity-driven or push entrepreneurship, resulting in an increase in the number of migrant self-entrepreneurs entering the market (Parker et al., 2012).
Legislation
Depending on the definitional criteria, there are between 2,000 to 70,000 social enterprises registered in Germany. Yet, no specific legislation on social enterprises exists in Germany. Consequently, there is no common understanding nor approach by public institutions towards the regulation of social enterprises. Migrants are unaware of the possibility to combine public good economical profit, hence, refer to a traditional way of business.
Third-country-nationals in Germany are at risk of being locked out of traditional employment due to barriers of access to education, therefore social entrepreneurship is especially valuable for migrants to access quality employment.
Main Figures
third-country nationals
which is 7,6% of the total population living in Spain (2020)
of the total population in Spain are women with migrant background (2020)
among the total working population (2020)
Important Findings from the Focus Group in Erfurt
Social entrepreneurship is a very necessary entrepreneurial form since is in direct connection to the community needs and tries to solve a particular societal problem.
Tatiana Michan
Among the competences that are most relevant to start an enterprise in Germany is being persistent and patient since starting an entrepreneurial project takes around 3 to 5 years.
Bruna Silva
I definitely need to need to acquire more skills and knowledge to develop as a social entrepreneur. It's not much offered on that topic in Germany for migrants.
Elisey Kitsis
Starting a business in Germany is a indeed a challenge, I've tried. Now I'm on educational path and looking for other opportunities to engage and promote my culture.
Shymaa Hammad
Entrepreneurship is a way to express yourself. My photography job is my passion and I'm extremely happy to also bring positive change into the community.
Naomi Valdés
So far I have only participated in the TASK4COME program with CGE and Platform e.V., but I'm willing now to engage in more.
Victor Murillo
Benefits of Social Entrepreneurship for Migrant Integration
Social entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in enabling the integration of migrants and brings forth various advantages for the Spanish economy.
It serves as a catalyst for economic growth, nurturing the development of entrepreneurial skills while fostering social inclusion and community engagement. Additionally, it embraces and celebrates diversity, sparking innovation and creativity in the process. By generating positive social impact, social entrepreneurship contributes to the creation of international connections and trade opportunities. Supporting and nurturing social entrepreneurship among migrants will empower Spain to capitalize on these benefits, ultimately fostering a society that is more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous.
Economic Growth and Job Creation: Social entrepreneurship by migrants contributes to economic growth and job creation in Spain. By starting their own businesses or social enterprises, migrants can generate employment opportunities for themselves and others. This not only enhances their economic self-sufficiency but also stimulates local economies, leading to overall economic development.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development: Social entrepreneurship provides migrants with opportunities to develop valuable entrepreneurial skills. Through training programs, mentorship, and support services, social enterprises equip migrants with the necessary knowledge and expertise to succeed in business. These skills can be transferable and applicable to various sectors, enhancing their employability and contribution to the Spanish labor market.
Social Inclusion and Community Engagement: Social entrepreneurship fosters social inclusion and community engagement among migrants. By establishing businesses that address social or environmental challenges, migrants can actively contribute to the well-being of local communities. Social enterprises often involve collaborations and partnerships with diverse stakeholders, facilitating integration, and creating a sense of belonging for migrants.
Cultural Exchange and Diversity: Social entrepreneurship by migrants promotes cultural exchange and celebrates diversity in the Spanish economy. Migrant entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, experiences, and cultural assets to their businesses, creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning and understanding. This enriches the business landscape and enhances Spain’s reputation as an inclusive and multicultural society.
Cultural Exchange and Diversity: Social entrepreneurship by migrants promotes cultural exchange and celebrates diversity in the Spanish economy. Migrant entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, experiences, and cultural assets to their businesses, creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning and understanding. This enriches the business landscape and enhances Spain’s reputation as an inclusive and multicultural society.
Social Impact and Sustainable Development: Social entrepreneurship focuses on addressing societal challenges and creating positive social impact. Migrant-led social enterprises often tackle issues such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and social inequality. By addressing these pressing concerns, migrant entrepreneurs contribute to sustainable development goals and improve the overall well-being of communities in Spain.
Policy Recommendations
Think Social consortium advice for policymakers in Spain.
Supportive Policy Environment
The government should establish a supportive policy environment for social entrepreneurship, providing incentives, funding opportunities, and regulatory frameworks that specifically address the needs of migrant-led social enterprises.
Enhance Support Structures
Adequate support structures, such as mentorship programs and business development services, are essential for the growth and sustainability of social enterprises. The government should invest in capacity-building initiatives that provide social entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources.
Access to Finance and Resources
Access to finance is crucial for the establishment and growth of social enterprises. The government should facilitate access to loans, grants, and investment capital for migrant entrepreneurs. Additionally, providing resources such as incubation centers, mentoring programs, and networking opportunities can enhance the success of migrant-led social enterprises.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Collaboration among government agencies, migrant organizations, business networks