A scheme being run by the West of England Combined Authority to help Ukrainian refugees in Bath and the surrounding area start their own businesses is set to be expanded.
West of England Mayor, Dan Norris | Photo © WECA
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has secured over £260,000 from the government to expand the successful refugee scheme.
118 Ukraine nationals across the region have already received expert advice and support to set up their own companies, including access to top training courses, one-to-one coaching, and more.
Dan Norris said: “I’m so incredibly proud of the way in which Bath and NE Somerset residents have opened their arms to our Ukrainian friends, and neighbours.
“This £260,000 in cash secured from government will help our region tap into the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of our Ukraine guests – a win-win!
“My West of England Combined Authority is determined to do our bit to make people feel welcome in Bath and NE Somerset and help them get on and thrive during their stay with us – however long or short”.
The West of England Combined Authority is continuing to support new and settled Ukrainian guests by:
- Funding a 5-week West of England programme teaching Ukraine refugees new green skills which they can then put into action in the workplace.
- Supporting Ukrainians to gain important Level 3 and Level 4 Maths qualifications through the £3.8 million West of England Multiply programme.
- Working with local Jobcentres to raise awareness of the Combined Authority support available, generating referrals to Future Bright and other careers programmes for Ukrainian refugees.
- Holding Ukrainian-focused community and business support events and workshops, including a YTKO business grants workshop on 23rd March at Runway East.
- Rolling out a new “careers toolkit” for Ukrainian schoolchildren and other youngsters where English isn’t their first language across all West of England schools
- Supporting Ukraine refugees to become bus drivers – helping address a regional and national shortage.
More than 1,300 Ukrainians have settled in the West of England under the Ukraine sponsorship scheme with host families.
