Mi-hub - Home of migrant entrepreneurs welcomes its first residents

Mi-hub - Home of migrant entrepreneurs welcomes its first residents

Mi-Hub is an exciting, philanthropic initiative devised by Rafael dos Santos. The novel business hub is committed to aiding migrant entrepreneurs navigate London’s tricky business landscape.

Dos Santos believes that many migrants in the UK have skills that are underutilised.

Inspired by the desire to help migrants overcome “a lack of knowledge, skills and funding”, Dos Santos believes it’s about “more than just wealth creation.  When [migrants'] wealth starts to grow, they pay more taxes and create more jobs. The key thing is that they give back.”

Mi-Hub can host up to 150 entrepreneurs, provides a co-working space and support for starting, growing and managing a business. For start-up entrepreneurs, strategies to raise funding through loan or equity finance are also available.   

Entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to take part in the 6 month Migrant Business Accelerator program offered at the hub with the prospect of winning £ 1000. This course offers a blend of finance, marketing and operations training for entrepreneurs looking to either further their skills or learn new ones.  

Although it is for migrants, it is not exclusive to them and it promotes social cohesion by allowing all to use their facilities.  

This co-working space has outstanding facilities such as a modern kitchen, shower room, break out area, a large balcony and meeting rooms at an affordable price. This initiative clearly aims to try and help entrepreneurs ensure that they have the best possible chance of success.   

Located in Whitechapel of trendy east London, entrepreneurs working there will definitely be at the heart of a developing area looking for new business ventures.  

The Piot foundation, which is a registered charity is the first occupant of the migrant friendly working space. The foundation is run by Victorine Piot who aims to improve the livelihood of skilled migrant workers and their families by educating them on what they will need to know when relocating.

By using a combination of experienced counsellors and well-trained volunteers, the foundation provides guidance to members who are in a state of uncertainty about their relocation. They also offer development training and support initiatives, which help families to integrate into new communities and explore their opportunities.

Founder Rafael dos Santos was excited to “welcome the Piot foundation to the Home of Migrant Entrepreneurs”.  

He said that the “Piot Foundation is providing an incredible and much needed service, and we are proud to be part of their growth and look forward to supporting Victorine and the team on their journey." He added that “[his] vision is to help one million migrant entrepreneurs in the next 10 years. We are looking forward to welcoming many more businesses to mi-HUB and growing our global family.”

He concluded by saying that “the more migrant entrepreneurs that are in the media the more exposure they get, and the more we show that migrants give more than they take”.