Entrepreneurship in Exile
Thriving amidst the chaos
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While much of the public discourse has framed refugees as a strain on economies,far less attention has been paid to their role as economic actors.
Overview
The Syrian conflict triggered one of the largest displacement crises since World War II, forcing millions of Syrians to rebuild their lives in host countries across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. While much of the public discourse has framed refugees as a strain on economies and public services, far less attention has been paid to their role as economic actors.
Entrepreneurship in Exile explores how Syrian refugees and immigrants establish startups, create jobs, and contribute to local economies despite facing systemic restrictions on mobility, work permits, banking access, and business registration. The report reframes refugee entrepreneurship as a survival strategy, an economic contribution, and a foundation for long-term stability.
What Is Inside
Mapping Syrian Entrepreneurs Across Host Countries
A detailed breakdown of where Syrian startups are operating, including Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Europe, and refugee camps.
Who Builds Businesses in Exile
Insights into age, gender, education, and prior business experience, highlighting the untapped human capital within refugee communities.
Three Typologies of Entrepreneurs in Exile
An analytical framework distinguishing camp-based entrepreneurs, urban entrepreneurs with and without work permits, and portfolio entrepreneurs.
Women's Entrepreneurship in Displacement
Evidence of rising female participation in entrepreneurship and the unique constraints Syrian women face in host countries.
The 10 Core Challenges Facing Refugee Startups
A structured analysis of travel restrictions, regulatory barriers, banking exclusion, funding shortages, language barriers, and social exclusion.
Actionable Recommendations
Policy and programmatic guidance for governments, donors, NGOs, and ecosystem builders seeking to support refugee-led entrepreneurship.