Unlocking Funding for Minority Entrepreneurship Events

Jan de Vries · 2026-03-05

Let's talk about something that doesn't get enough airtime—the power of minority entrepreneurs to drive real social change. It's a story of resilience, innovation, and frankly, a perspective we need to hear more of. Back in October 2025, we had the privilege of hosting a workshop at Edinburgh Napier University that put this very topic front and center. This wasn't just another conference. It was a collaborative effort, supported by the European Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ECSB) and the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE). Their Special Interest Groups on Minority Entrepreneurship and Social Change came together to create something special. The goal was simple but vital: to highlight the often-overlooked role these entrepreneurs play, for better or worse, in shaping our communities. ### What Made This Workshop Tick? We knew we had to move beyond the standard lecture format. So, we designed a day built on interaction and genuine exchange. Think of it less like a seminar and more like a series of focused conversations. - **Lightning Talks:** Leading academics kicked things off, sharing sharp insights on how minority entrepreneurship directly impacts social change. - **World Café Discussions:** This is where the magic happened. Participants rolled up their sleeves to unpack challenges, frameworks, and methods in small, rotating groups. - **Collaborative Sprint:** Attendees didn't just listen—they created. They brainstormed and designed actual research ideas centered on social change. - **Networking:** We built in dedicated time for people to connect, share ideas, and explore future partnerships and funding opportunities. - **Reflections:** The day ended with a commitment from everyone to take actionable steps back in their own research and practice. Months of planning paid off. The room was buzzing with vibrant discussions and ideas that felt genuinely new.  ### The Real Win? Building Bridges Honestly, one of the biggest successes was behind the scenes. Navigating the event fund application process with our co-organizers wasn't just paperwork—it forged strong connections between ECSB and ISBE. That collaboration created a ripple effect, sparking interest from another organization looking to partner up. It proved that when you pool resources and expertise, you create opportunities that go far beyond a single event.  ### Learning from the Experts We were incredibly fortunate to hear from some remarkable voices. Prof. Sukanlaya Sawang, Dr. Deema Refai, Dr. Sophie Alkhaled, and Dr. Huriye Yeroz brought their unique perspectives to the stage. Their presentations didn't just inform; they inspired. They mapped out the initial terrain for exploring Minority Entrepreneurship and Social Change, reminding us all why diverse perspectives aren't just nice to have—they're essential for innovative solutions. As one speaker noted, "Social change should be balanced with the individual change that comes from within, while never losing sight of the systemic barriers." It's a delicate, crucial balance. ### The Key Takeaways That Stuck With Us The discussions were rich, but a few points really crystallized. If we want to truly understand this space, we need to consider some hard truths. We have to examine the value systems and success frameworks we unconsciously use. Facilitating social change means we can't ignore political pathways—they're often the gatekeepers. Sustained, genuine community engagement is non-negotiable, especially for vulnerable groups. Here's a powerful thought: everyone belongs to *some* minority. We're all either vulnerable now or at risk of becoming so. That means Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policies should lift everyone up, not just a select few. Our research needs to broaden, too. While much focus is on migrant experiences, we need host country perspectives for a holistic view. And while Western contexts dominate the studies, and non-Western contexts are gaining interest, we mustn't forget the "middle" contexts—the lesser-known situations that fall through the cracks. Finally, our education on entrepreneurship has to start weaving in the social aspects. It's not just about business models; it's about community impact. This workshop, supported by the ECSB event fund, showed what's possible when you create a space for these crucial conversations. It's an investment that pays dividends in connection, insight, and momentum for real change.