Since 2015, Startup Refugees has been there for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. It has collected over 10 000 professional profiles, facilitated employment for nearly 2 000 individuals, trained 1 200 aspiring entrepreneurs, and provided skills training to more than 12 000 people. 

Jobs are Impact

Employment provides more than just income—it brings stability, independence, and the chance to rebuild lives in new places. The benefits extend to the families of refugees and migrants, fostering security and a sense of belonging for the broader community.

The impact goes far beyond personal benefit. When migrants are employed they strengthen the economy, bring new ideas to workplaces, and help fill critical job shortages. Communities become more connected, and businesses gain motivated, hard-working employees.

Hiring those who have sought a new start benefits everyone. Financially, every employed individual contributes to the economy through taxes and spending, reducing their need for public assistance.

Marking 10 years, we reflect on the progress made in creating professional opportunities for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants – supporting them in building brighter futures.

Job opportunities created by Startup Refugees 2015–2024

This article explores the financial impact of employment matches created by Startup Refugees.

Jobs in Yearly Monetary Value

When migrants gain employment, they no longer require the public benefits and, over time, contribute to the Finnish economy as taxpayers. The costs of unemployment cannot be directly calculated as many things factor in. However based on different studies and sources of information we have estimated the costs to fall around 16 000 euros per year per unemployed refugee, asylum seeker or migrant.

Based on the data above, Startup Refugees has been able to find jobs for around 250 refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants each year.

Accumulation Over Years

Employment creates long-term value. Approximately 60 percent of newly hired individuals remain with their employers beyond the first year. As they continue to work, they contribute to the economy through taxes and by reducing their reliance on benefits.

If we keep working to find jobs for newcomers, we can calculate the accumulated total value for operations:

Behind the Work

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Startup Refugees’ journey began in 2015, driven by a vision to support refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in their integration into Finnish society. Officially registered as an NGO in 2016, we have spent the past decade building a network of over 5,000 members including partners like Slush, Netlight, Nordea, and Tietoevry. 

As a social innovation, we have created pathways for employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship helping migrants thrive while contributing to a more inclusive Finland. Today, our fast-integration model supports refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants finding their place and building their future within our society.

Operating Startup Refugees

At Startup Refugees, our team has grown from just two to 25 full-time employees and 15 hourly paid staff members, speaking 17 different languages. While not everyone works directly with recruitment, we all share the same goal: creating a more inclusive Finland and job market. 

Our teams are made up of the Employment, Business, and Skills Programs, along with the Administration and Communications team, each contributing to the mission. Also, our hourly paid Community Leaders play a key role in connecting migrants to opportunities and expanding our impact nationwide. With offices in Helsinki, Oulu, and Rovaniemi, and staff in Tampere, Jyväskylä, and Kokkola, we reach communities across Finland. 

A Typical Year of Jobs

Match Made in Startup Refugees is a digital platform designed to simplify connections between job seekers and employers. Job seekers can create profiles and CVs to highlight their skills and experience, while employers can easily search for international talent that fits their needs. The platform also connects users to other opportunities available through Startup Refugees.  

By collaborating with a wide range of companies and organizations, we help job seekers find professional opportunities and contribute to building a more inclusive job market.

Startup Refugees job matches by industry in 2023

It’s not just the money, or even just the jobs!

The impact of Startup Refugees goes far beyond helping people find jobs or lowering government costs. Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants are supported in starting their own businesses through tailored entrepreneurship programs and training. It’s also about offering the skills, guidance, and opportunities needed to achieve lasting success.  

Our mission is about more than employment—it’s about shifting perceptions, breaking stereotypes, and advocating for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. In an ideal world, our work would not be needed. Until then, the focus remains on creating professional opportunities and driving meaningful change for a better, more inclusive Finland.

Startup Refugees Impact Calculator

Some may argue that certain individuals would have found employment even without the support of Startup Refugees. However, research show that targeted support can make a substantial difference, especially for those facing significant barriers to employment. 

If you want to test the impact, try removing some of the jobs from the calculations and see how it changes the results. Feel like some of the assumptions might be off? Challenge the model using the calculator.