Integration Institute: Entrepreneurship

One of the most essential parts of welcoming new Americans is to ensure that they are given economic opportunities. Immigrants account for a large proportion of businesses started in the state, but barriers still remain. The Institute aims to tap into the potential of would-be entrepreneurs by establishing a clearinghouse of information on business regulation, support services available to business owners, and other services relevant to immigrant entrepreneurship. In addition, the Institute will provide trainings and technical support for entrepreneurs wishing to open and expand small businesses. The Institute will also publicize best practices around encouraging immigrant entrepreneurship and will produce annual research-based policy papers on specific issues in the field.

The Institute will also work to enhance connections and relationships between local banks and immigrant business owners, expanding the capital resources available to immigrant entrepreneurs. Part of this effort will be a campaign aimed at lenders that demonstrates the potential profitability of immigrant businesses. In addition, the Institute will look to non-profits and other institutions to open non-traditional pathways to capital, including micro-lending programs and cooperatives, exploring relationships through entities including the Dept. of Neighborhood Development's Office of Business Development, Boston Connects, credit unions and other microfinance organizations.