Entrepreneurial Journeys of Syrian Refugees in Groningen, A Liminal Story?

Abstract

This research adopts a grounded approach to address becomings of Syrian refugees during their entrepreneurial journey into the Netherlands. This paper reveals stories of the nature of interactions between refugees and the ecosystem, with experiences of inclusive cooperation on the one hand and experiences of a more prohibitive role of the ecosystem on the other hand. Alfa-college gave access to the research population through a special 1-year program with training, intervision, coaching and networking. The research at Alfa-college reveals four controversies: Political goals versus daily practices of bureaucracy, entrepreneurship is fun versus daily practice, using experienced knowledge of (un)successful refugee entrepreneurs versus one size fits all approach policies for enhancing entrepreneurship for migrants with a refugee background and where is success versus where do I start? Throughout the stories and controversies a liminal position from the refugees becomes apparent. The research makes an academic and conceptual contribution by highlighting to dynamics of refugee entrepreneurial journeys and barriers they experience.