Ballyhoura Development CLG recently took part in the kick-off meeting of the CONNECT project – Inclusive Support for Migrant Entrepreneurship – held in Essen, Germany.

The two-day meeting marked the first opportunity for partners from across North-West Europe to come together in person, building relationships, sharing expertise, and setting the foundations for collaborative work over the lifetime of the project.

CONNECT is a European project funded by the Interreg North-West Europe Programme, aimed at improving how regional and local support systems help migrant entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Migrant entrepreneurs often face barriers in accessing networks, training, finance, and enterprise supports. The project focuses on strengthening cooperation between public authorities, enterprise agencies, and community organisations, while also developing practical tools and training for frontline practitioners.

During the meeting in Essen, partners discussed the project vision, work packages, and expected outcomes. A strong focus was placed on understanding the current landscape of migrant entrepreneurship supports across each region. This included mapping existing systems, identifying gaps and barriers, and sharing good practice across partner regions.

An important early step in the project is the development of a Joint Strategy and a Community of Practice, which will support ongoing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a more coordinated approach across all regions involved.

Participation in the kick-off meeting marks an important milestone for Ballyhoura Development CLG as we begin our involvement in CONNECT. We look forward to working closely with our European partners to support more inclusive and accessible pathways for migrant entrepreneurs, both locally and across the wider North-West Europe region.

Find Out More About CONNECT Project