Support Small Businesses of Survivors/Returners

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Behind every small business is a story. For survivors of exploitation and individuals returning home after displacement, starting a small business is often more than a means of livelihood—it’s a step toward healing, autonomy, and reclaiming dignity. These entrepreneurs face unique barriers, but they also bring unmatched resilience, creativity, and determination. Our project, Support for Small Businesses of Survivors and Returnees, is rooted in the belief that economic empowerment is one of the most powerful tools for long-term recovery and reintegration.

Why This Matters

Survivors of trafficking, forced labor, gender-based violence, or displacement often return to their communities with limited resources and fractured support systems. Many face stigma, trauma, and economic insecurity. Entrepreneurship offers a pathway forward—but only if paired with the right support.

By helping survivors and returnees start and grow their own small businesses, we enable them to build independent futures on their own terms.

Project Objectives

Our initiative is designed to provide comprehensive, survivor-centered support in the form of:

1. Business Skills Training
   We deliver practical training in entrepreneurship, budgeting, marketing, inventory management, and digital tools. The goal is to equip participants with the skills to start, sustain, and grow their businesses.

2. Access to Start-up Capital and Microgrants
   Through small grants, microloans, and savings groups, we provide the seed capital that many survivors and returnees are otherwise excluded from accessing due to lack of credit history or collateral.

3. Mentorship and Coaching
   Participants are paired with experienced business mentors for one-on-one guidance. These mentors not only help navigate challenges but also serve as role models and sounding boards.

4. Market Linkages and Networking
   We connect entrepreneurs to local markets, cooperatives, and digital platforms, helping them sell their products and services to wider audiences.

5. Psychosocial and Peer Support
   Healing doesn’t stop at economic success. We provide safe spaces and peer groups where participants can share experiences, rebuild confidence, and support each other in their journeys.

Impact in Action

Since launching, the project has:

• Supported over 300 survivor- and returnee-led businesses across various sectors including tailoring, food services, beauty, and crafts

• Trained 50+ local mentors and coaches

• Created partnerships with local markets and online platforms to boost visibility and sales

• Seen an average 65% increase in monthly income among participants within the first 6 months

Stories of Resilience

Take Awa, a returnee from West Africa who now runs a catering business in her home village. With the support of our project, Awa learned how to price her meals, track her profits, and use social media to attract new customers.
“Before, I felt forgotten. Now, people know me for my food—and I can send my children to school.”

Looking Ahead

Our mission is not only to support individual entrepreneurs but to foster inclusive, survivor-led economic ecosystems that promote dignity, independence, and sustainable change. We envision a world where survivors and returnees are not seen only through the lens of their past—but as drivers of innovation and growth.

Join Us

Whether you’re a donor, business leader, policymaker, or community advocate—you can help. Partner with us to expand access to training, funding, and networks for survivor-led enterprises. Let’s turn survival into strength, and ideas into impact.