Exploring Roma entrepreneurship
by Catherine MALLET
This factsheet by ERIO looks at the role of entrepreneurship in fighting poverty, discrimination, unemployment and social exclusion of Roma. The document explains some of the key obstacles that Roma face in the process of starting a business such as access to finance, or microcredit which is largely given to already established businesses and often remains “beyond the reach of the average poor Roma micro-entrepreneur seeking start-up funds. In addition to the likelihood of the Roma to be denied credit due to a lack of savings and/or indebtedness, many are unable to obtain a credit because of low levels of education and little employment experience. Prejudice among customers is also problematic. The document also gives examples of Roma entrepreneurs and recommendations to improve the situation.
- Read ERIO’s Factsheet on Roma entrepreneurship here
ERIO the European Roma Information Office based in Brussels and a partner of The Salvation Army www.erionet.eu
Tags: Europe