2025 marks 10 years since Riku Rantala and Tunna Milonoff founded the Startup Refugees network. It’s time to measure its impact. Over the years, thousands of companies and communities have participated in the network’s activities. Startup Refugees has collected over 10 000 professional profiles of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, facilitated employment for 2000 individuals, trained 1200 aspiring entrepreneurs, and provided training on various skills needed in working life for more than 14 000 people.

Jobs are Impact

In 2015, 32 478 asylum seekers entered Finland as part of the so-called ‘refugee crisis’. The country was in shock, and the public sector was overwhelmed. New
reception centers were established during this short period, while old centers worked beyond their capacities. Despite the right to work, no one supported this group in finding jobs or starting companies. However, Rantala and Milonoff called together everyone who wanted to support this group’s employment or entrepreneurship. What happened after the call-out was a total surprise: in two weeks, more than 200 organizations and individuals signed up, and since then, Startup Refugees has supported refugees in employment and entrepreneurship.

Since the beginning, it has been clear that employment provides more than just income—it brings stability, independence, and the chance to rebuild lives in a new environment. 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 employed, migrants 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.

To celebrate 10 years of employing refugees and other immigrants, we have put together an impact calculator so you can see the benefits! The calculator has been designed by data visualisation expert Pekka Pulli based on data retrieved from employment results throughout the years such as length of contracts and salary ranges.

Job opportunities created by Startup Refugees 2015–2024

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:

Careers Created Through Match

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 such as entrepreneurship support and mentoring opportunities.  By collaborating with various companies and organizations, Startup Refugees supports job seekers in finding professional opportunities and contribute to building a more inclusive job market.

We also support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in becoming self-employed through entrepreneurship, offering various training and programs that can be tailored to specific needs. Our focus extends to skills enhancement, mentoring, and creating pathways for long-term success.

Our mission is about more than just employment – it’s about changing perceptions and advocating for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. 

In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need to exist but until then, we’ll continue to create opportunities and work towards meaningful change and a better and more inclusive Finland!

Startup Refugees job matches by industry in 2023

Startup Refugees Impact Calculator

Of course, some individuals find employment without the support of Startup Refugees. However, research shows 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.  The operating costs of the Employment Program at Startup Refugees is around 850 000 euros annually and the total budget for all operations is around 1.5 million euros.

Also, please give us feedback and share what you think! If you are not yet a member, you are more than welcome to join the Startup Refugees network and start the next decade of impact with us.