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Spain: Conexus programme

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The Conexus Incubation Programme, managed by SINGA Barcelona, supports migrant entrepreneurs with free group and individual mentoring. It focuses on projects in development, providing legal training, training on product/service testing, action plan development, communication training, and support with  branding. Participants also benefit from access to strategic and financial mentoring, networking opportunities, and professional development support. 

To date the programme has successfully completed 3 cycles: Conexus I (Sep 2020 - Jan 2021), Conexus II (Oct 2021 - Mar 2022), and the current Conexus III (Apr - Jul 2024). From 2020 - 2024, the programme supported 50 migrant-led entrepreneurial projects. 

Project Goal

The primary goals of the Conexus programme are to develop connections and provide training to support migrant entrepreneurs, in order to ensure that they are able to successfully adapt their projects to the evolving challenges of a changing world. 

Qualitatively, Conexus seeks to foster collaboration, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and promote social inclusion. The programme addresses the challenges faced by newcomers in establishing businesses, micro-enterprises, or associations. Starting from a context of limited resources and networks, its ultimate goal is to provide free, comprehensive support to ensure the successful creation and development of entrepreneurial ventures. 

How it works

The Conexus programme offers comprehensive support to migrant entrepreneurs over the course of 5 - 6 months. It includes 8 group workshops, covering key areas such as business model development, economic viability, communication, branding, and pitch training, and participants receive at least 1 individual mentoring session to challenge their ideas and understand their needs. Strategic and financial mentoring is provided by business experts. 

Additionally, participants have opportunities to expand their visibility and network through SINGA Barcelona’s social events. The programme culminates in a final event where entrepreneurs present their projects to a panel of experts.

Participants must have legal refugee status or a residence permit in the country, a clear project vision, a minimum of B1-level fluency in Spanish, and be motivated to engage in the SINGA community and attend activities in Barcelona.

Results

The Conexus programme has achieved significant quantitative and qualitative results across its 3 editions: 

  • Conexus I (Sep 2020 - Jan 2021) supported 10 entrepreneurs from 13 countries, with guidance from 10 mentors and 4 MBA student consultants. 
  • Conexus II (Oct 2021 - Mar 2022) expanded to 25 migrant entrepreneurs, supported by 10 expert mentors. 
  • Conexus III (Apr - Jul 2024) offered 15 spots for entrepreneurs and provided 12 hours of mentoring. 

Carla Santana from Peru, a participant in Conexus I, is mentioned in the attached Press Kit below. She developed “Educca Social” - an association focused on creating social impact with a childhood perspective. She says that the well-structured sessions, valuable content, and emotional support of the Conexus proogramme were crucial in shaping her business idea.

Evaluation

The Conexus programme employs a qualitative evaluation methodology, focusing on holistic indicators that capture the development and growth of migrant entrepreneurs beyond mere business success. This includes their level of social inclusion, confidence, security, and future integration prospects. 

The SINGA team conducts in-depth interviews and debriefing sessions with all participants at the end of the programme. Quantitative results from the 3 editions show that significant support has been ensured for 50 entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. The evaluation highlights the programme’s success in fostering entrepreneurial skills and social inclusion, with recommendations to continue emphasising personalised support and community integration. Find further details in the Press Kit attached below.

Who benefits

The target group for the Conexus programme is migrant newcomers with entrepreneurial projects they wish to develop. Eligibility is outlined in the 'How it works' section above.

Funding and resources

SINGA has utilised various resources to finance the 3 editions of the Conexus programme. Funding has come from consultancies and donations, primarily bank foundations, including € 86 413 from the Fondation BNP Paribas for Conexus III . This diverse funding has ensured the project’s sustainability and success.

About this good practice

Details

Posted by
Francesco Pasetti - CIDOB
Country Coordinator

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