Living in a new country adds an extra layer to the challenges an entrepreneur will face in the process of setting up his/her business. A particular challenge is an absence of social capital essential to facilitating the acquisition of other resources needed for turning ideas into successful businesses.

At Business Meetups, held over lunch at Syriously Oriental Restaurant on Wednesday, June 26th, entrepreneur Vanessa Defournier explained how to acquire social capital. True to her expertise as a coach and facilitator, her approach is simple and practical. She established her company, Innerlatitude, shortly after arriving in Luxembourg. Her experience supports the idea that the life of an immigrant is more of a continuation and less a beginning from scratch - experiences acquired elsewhere are useful in the new country of residence. She talked about her frequent attendance of social and business events however remotely related to her business interests. These places and situations provide opportunities to meet people, build networks and acquire social capital quickly and steadily. She emphasised the need to be open minded and not be scared to make mistakes, ask “foolish” questions and learn.

In her experience, maintaining a positive mindset is important. She recounted how her negative mindset during her first few months in Luxembourg impacted most aspects of her life.

More than 10 budding entrepreneurs of diverse nationalities attended the event. They asked questions both specific to their projects and generally useful to all.

The beautiful view from the terrace of Julia Dumna Restaurant offered a relaxed and enchanting experience as participants sat and watched the sunset on the distant horizon. They chatted with each other and counted the last minutes of the day's Ramadan fasting. Then began another interesting Business MeetUps with entrepreneurs Erica Worsley and Kenan Hussein, partners and proprietors of Julia Dumna Restaurant & Event Centre.

Erica started by talking about her experience as a former finance expert and also a couple of years spent organising events in refugee reception centres in Luxembourg. She met Kenan and they decided to put their resources together in creating a restaurant. As usual, participants' curiosity in the areas of financing, business registration processes, partnership and operations/management of the restaurant was expressed in the form of questions, resulting to a rich and inspiring discussion. Hussein noted that the name of the restaurant was inspired by the famous Roman empress of Syrian origin, Julia Dumna whose reign promoted gender and education reforms. Notably, this resonates with Erica's values. Some of her work with the refugee centres involved improving the living standard of women and other vulnerable groups.

A participant wondered why they decided on situating the restaurant on the far end of the city rather than around the centre as most restaurants opt for. Erica explained how this was both a strategic and operational decision that has proved beneficial to the restaurant. She noted that a good percentage of their patronage comes from families and event organisers. Usually, this niche market requires a sizeable restaurant hall, a relaxed atmosphere, with sufficient parking space for vehicles, and situated in a less busy neighbourhood. Thanks to Erica and Kenan's decision, Julia Dumna Restaurant ticks these requirements and more.

Like most businesses, there have been some challenges faced by the restaurant. Erica highlighted some of these challenges they have faced and surmounted. For instance, there is the management of staff and employee turnover. This is a common challenge in restaurant-business. Julia Dumna currently has a team of almost ten. Most of them are of different cultures, and nationality and Beneficiaries of International Protection, BPIs. Rather than consider this a challenge, Kenan, who is mostly responsible for managing this aspect of the business, explained how it has been beneficial to them in expanding and enhancing the restaurant's overall appeal. A representative of ADEM was available to further explain the agency's work in making Luxembourg's employment market more accessible to BPIs and also, their close work with employers, including Julia Dumna Restaurant.

It is generally agreed by entrepreneurs that resources required to create and operate a business are limited. This affirms the famous definition of economics by Lionel Robins. Surprisingly though, there are some valuable resources that are almost limitless. During the Business MeetUps at Syriously Restaurant in Beggen on Wednesday 3rd of April, the entrepreneur, Klaus Gehlhaar, inspired participants by helping them realise the abundant resources in everyday experiences, professional or personal, negative or positive. His history as an entrepreneur demonstrated how everyday dealings with people and the environment can be harnessed to the benefit and profitability of a business. Klaus, the partner and co-owner of the furniture company, Zaor Studio Furniture, shared events from his life, even as a teenager, that has shaped and benefited his entrepreneurial ventures. The atmosphere of the event was elated by the generous recall of his experiences and journey as an entrepreneur. For two hours, participants asked questions and discussed practical ways they can actualise their business ideas. At the end of the event, faces brimmed with smiles as a result of what had been learned, the inspirations gotten and also, the delicious menu offered by Mahmoud's Syriously Restaurant.

The idea of becoming one's "boss", appeals to many. However, the reality of starting a business is a challenging task in many aspects. As new arrivals venture into the world of entrepreneurship in Luxembourg, Touchpoints asbl helps them through the journey to increase their chances of success. One of such programs developed to support budding entrepreneurs is the Business MeetUps. It is an event held over a meal to inform and inspire participants through discussions with an established entrepreneur. At the Business MeetUps held in the Scouts & Guides FNEL centre in Cents, Lebanese veterinary doctor, Rawad El Khoury, shared his experience as an entrepreneur. He owns and operates Cabinet Vétérinaire des Cerisiers. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions on how they can get started, access finance, create partnerships, and more. The lunch event, enjoyed the refreshing and delicious middle-eastern cuisine prepared by Dr. Adnan Esmaiel and his wife.

Partnering with well-established Luxembourgers or local residents is an important way for new arrivals to start commercial projects in Luxembourg. During our 11th Meet Up, we met Marianne Donven and Pitt Pirrotte, co-founders of Chiche! (www.chiche.lu) a social pop-up restaurant designed to empower people through work. Chadi, head chef and former beneficiary of Sleeves Up coaching, also spoke. They shared the secret of Chiche's phenomenal success and provided tips for finding potential partners.

Compelling and inspiring narratives are important factors in the success of any social project. During the 10th Sleeves Up Meet Up, Caroline Lam, co-founder of OUNI, Luxembourg's first packaging-free organic grocery co-op, explained how she and colleagues generated members and clients for the store: https://ouni.lu/en/ Sleeves Up participant Ramy Wahbah, who is working on an entrepreneurial project of his own, prepared a delicious lunch.

Did you know that most businesses don't use Facebook properly, costing them dearly in terms of clients and money? At our 9th Sleeves Up Meet Up, Fabienne Colling drew on her wide experience as serial entrepreneur and marketing professional to discuss common pitfulls and how to avoid them. She also shared techniques for optimising post sponsorship. Sleeves Up participant Uyi Nosa-Odia prepared a delicious Nigerian meal.

invited graduates of Sleeves Up Workshops Round 4 to its office for a detailed presentation on how to obtain a microloan. Attendees received tips on how to best prepare their projects and improve their chances of getting financed.

Once again, we had an amazing group of enthusiastic budding entrepreneurs. After some well deserved reflection time during the weekend, next steps are already ahead. The 18-hour program was held over a period of five days at the newly created House of Startups in Luxembourg city.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the program!.

On Monday, July 30th, the 8th Sleeves Up Meet Up was held at General Technology Luxembourg in Esch. General Technology is a smartphone repair shop and computer training center. The company's founder and owner, Mondher Labidi, spoke about the company and delivered an overview on how to leverage the power of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets to build a business plan.

The presentation and discussion was mostly in French, with a smattering of Arabic.

Take a look at Mondher's website to learn about this business: https://www.facebook.com/gtl.lu/

A sumptuous luncheon was prepared by Sleeves Up participants Mohammed Arak, Salwah Arak, and Shady al-Halaby.

The next round of our Sleeves Up Workshops for refugees and asylum seekers (BPI/DPI) is now open for registration!

The program> Preliminary Interview To help you find the best approach for your project, we will meet once before the start of the program.

Pre-register at info@touchpoints.lu

> Individualized Follow-up Hands-on assistance with launching your project.

> Five Workshop Sessions – Starting on August 20th:

The next round will be held August 20th - August 24th, 2:00pm - 5:30pm, at the House of Startups in Luxembourg city.PARTICIPATION FEE

DPI: 25 €. Fully refunded if participant attends at least 4 out of 5 sessions.BPI: 50 €. Partially refunded (30 €) if participant attends at least 4 sessions.

First session is mandatory for continuation.

Topics covered • Three-page business plan, budget, and start-up costs • VAT, tax, and administrative procedures • Business pitch, marketing, and specialized language acquisition

• Other resources and next steps

Completion of Sleeves Up Workshops also gives you .

For more information and to register, contact jordan@touchpoints.lu or call 691 997 421

Helping people is NOT a crime!

This is why we have joined forces with organisations around Europe to launch the . Through this direct democracy tool, we can compel the European Commission and Parliament to respond to our demands. Join us now and sign the petition!

Governments cannot cope with the challenges posed by migration. Most of us want to support people who need it, because we cannot be indifferent to their fate. Millions of people have mobilized to provide support. Today, we want to be heard. Demand a welcoming Europe! We call on the European Commission to act.

Here's a summary of the proposal for which the Commission is invited to act:

1. Citizens from all over Europe want to sponsor refugees to give them a safe home and a new life. We want the Commission to provide direct support to local groups assisting refugees who are issued a national visa.

2. No one should be prosecuted or fined for providing humanitarian aid or shelter. We want the Commission to prevent Member States from punishing citizens in solidarity.

3. Everyone has the right to justice. We want the Commission to guarantee more effective means and rules to defend all victims of labor exploitation and crime in Europe, as well as all those who are victims of human rights violations on our borders.

On July 2nd, a dinner event was held in order to introduce ten Sleeves Up participants to four volunteer teachers and plan future conversation practice. Eight volunteer instructors (3 for English, 4 for French, and 1 for Luxembourgish) and 14 students are now involved in the program. This generous support from volunteers has allowed us to set up individual as well as group conversation practice for Sleeves Up participants, depending on need.

This program emerged out of recognition that improved language skills increase the chance that their projects succeed. Although all Sleeves Up participants have taken language courses, they lack the critical conversation practice necessary to activate and reinforce what they've already learned. Regular conversation practice with volunteers allows us to fill this gap.

If you would like to become a volunteer language partner in the program, please contact jordan@touchpoints.lu.

On Thursday, June 28, Touchpoints held its 7th Sleeves Up Meet Up with Dorothy Germaine, a Canadian entrepreneur who overcame severe setbacks to create Spa Escape, a thriving spa and wellness service, in Luxembourg. By sharing her personal story, she revealed insights into how to effective market research, test initial products, find first clients, and transform tragedy into personal and professional growth. For more information on Dorothy's project, please visit: https://spaescape.lu/

Lunch was prepared by Sleeves Up participant Adnan Ismail, who is currently working on an entrepreneurial project of his own.

Sleeves Up Meet Up is a series of discussions with entrepreneurs intended to inform and inspire participants of our workshops and new arrivals to Luxembourg with the stories of those who have already taken the plunge. The discussion took place in English.

On Monday, May 28th at 9:30pm, Sleeves Up Meet Up was held in the form of iftar, the meal that Muslims take at sunset during the month of Radaman. This time, the event was hosted by Mohammed Alcomali, who created Damas, a Syrian restaurant in the Gare area of Luxembourg. Following a jovial and sumptuous Ramadan feast, Mohammed shared the story of setting up his restaurant.

In addition, Uyi Nosa-Odia, a Sleeves Up participant, led an inspiring discussion on creative ways for harnessing the power of collaboration, drawing on experience with entrepreneurial projects in his home country of Nigeria.

For more information on the restaurant, please consult the following link: https://www.facebook.com/Damas-Restaurant-157965254810817/

On May 18th, 2018, Association de Soutien aux Travailleurs Immigré (ASTI) re-invited Sleeves Up to give a presentation in Mersch on how to create a business in Luxembourg. Topics included how asylum seekers can work toward that goal even while waiting for residency, essential administrative steps required for opening a business, and diverse resources for helping budding entrepreneurs. The talk was conducted in English under the auspices of project “Connections”, an ASTI initiative which helps refugees enter the labor market. About thirty participants attended.

Ever wonder why some people get "lucky" by finding investors or good jobs, while others don't?

On Wednesday, April 18th, Sleeves Up attempted to answer this question in the context of its 5th "Sleeves Up Meet Up," a series of lunch discussions designed to aid and inspire budding entrepreneurs with their projects. This time, we partnered with 6zero1 and Compellio to discuss "networking," what it is, why it's important, and how to do it. Thirty people, including a mix of European and non-European residents, attended the event.

Wafa Abo Zarifa and Ayman Natouf, graduates of Sleeves Up Workshops, prepared a tasty Palestinian and Syrian lunch.

Due to the strong demand, our partner CLAE asbl kindly reinvited us to hold information sessions at their offices about how to become an entrepreneur in Luxembourg. The dates are set as follows:

05.04.2018 - 10.30 am to 12.30 am - in ARABIC04.04.2018 - 10.30 am to 12.30 am - in ENGLISH03.04.2018 - 10.30 am to 12.30 am - in FRENCH

12.01.2018 - 10.30 am to 12.30 am - in FRENCH15.01.2018 - 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm - in ENGLISH

CLAE is located at 26, rue de Gasperich L-1617 Luxembourg. The conversation will address how both asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection can begin preparing for eventually launching their own business, as well as information regarding the administrative steps involved. Please contact CLAE (29 86 86 1 if you wish to attend. Admission is free.

Microlux invited Sleeves Upers to its office for a detailed presentation on how to obtain a microloan. Attendees received tips on how to best prepare their projects and improve their chances of getting financed.

The fourth Sleeves Up Meet Up took place at the Géisserei in Luxembourg City with Ahmad Akkarie, a Lebanese resident, who created Arzé Market, a Middle Eastern grocery store in Hollerich. Ahmed discussed challenges faced and provided extensive advice about common mistakes that entrepreneurs should try to avoid when starting any new business.

Eighteen participants attended the event, which included a sumptuous meal prepared by Mohammed Arak, Salwah Arak, Shady al-Halabi, and Mahmoud Yasen Aljameel. Mohammed and Shady both participated in Sleeves Up workshops and intend to launch a HORECA business.

Our Sleeves Up Meet Ups are monthly meetings over food with active entrepreneurs to inspire and inform. Sharing & Connecting is essential to any starting a lasting business. So, if you'd like to be involved in future Meet Ups, please contact info@touchpoints.lu to learn more about how it works.

Nine participants (8 from Syria & 1 from Nigeria) successfully completed the third round of Sleeves Up Training Workshops for DPI & BPI at Nyuko, near Luxembourg Gare. They worked on a business project intended to eventually provide a means of self-employment in their new Luxembourgish homes.

TOPICS COVERED

Three-page business plan, budget, and start-up costsVAT, tax, and administrative proceduresBusiness pitch, marketing, and specialized language acquisition

The third Sleeves Up Meet Up took place at Sahara Shisha and Lounge Bar in Differdange, co-owned by Mustafa Al-Faraj and Ahmed Alkhafaji. With a third partner, they took over an existing business in the summer of 2017. They shared their experience about what went well and what they would do differently today.

Mustafa and Ahmed explained why they decided to take over a business instead of starting a new one, differences in terms of procedure, and difficulties and opportunities they encountered. There were sixteen participants in total, many of whom posed questions and actively participated in the discussion. A tasty lunch plate, filled with Sahara's top culinary choices, accompanied the event.

The opportunity was also taken to inform attendants about the imminent start of the first and this year's only Fit4Entrepreneurship session in English. Fit4Entrepreneurship is a training and coaching program offered by ADEM for unemployed persons who'd like to start their own businesses. The program represents a natural extension of Sleeves Up workshops, and five Sleeves Upers have chosen to sign up.

Our Sleeves Up Meet Ups are monthly meetings over food with active entrepreneurs to inspire and inform. Sharing & Connecting is essential to any starting a lasting business. So, if you'd like to be involved in future Meet Ups, please contact info@touchpoints.lu to learn more about how it works.

As of January 2018, we have a permanent base at the House of Entrepreneurship in Kirchberg! Every Tuesday afternoon, we welcome you without appointment at the dynamic one-stop shop of the Chamber of Commerce and instantly connect you with relevant administrations and partners. Of course, you can still contact us for appointments across the country to ask questions regarding your specific case or your business project.

Today, we held our second Sleeves Up Meet Up with Luxcars owner Hussein Eissa and Raneem & Mustafa Khaiat at the Géisserei in Luxembourg city. These monthly meetings over food with entrepreneurs are designed to inspire and inform.

Hussein Eissa shared his story about Luxcars, a used car sales and rental service he founded in 2016. As one of the first to launch a successful business after four years on RMG, the Iraqi business man provided useful tips about making the transition. You may contact Hussein at 691 221 400 to learn more about him and his services.

Eighteen people participated in the Meet Up, which included a delicious Syrian buffet kindly prepared by Raneem and her husband Mustafa Khaiat. Raneem participated in Sleeves Up workshops and plans to start a restaurant with her husband. They are looking for the right locale.

Sharing & Connecting is essential to any starting & lasting business! So, if you'd like to be involved in future Meet-Ups, please contact info@touchpoints.lu to learn more about how it works!

Photo credit: Dina Kim

The next round of our Sleeves Up Workshops for refugees and asylum seekers (BPI/DPI) is now open for registration!

The program> Preliminary Interview To help you find the best approach for your project, we will meet once before the start of the program.> Six Workshop Sessions – Starting on January 18th: The workshops start on Thursday, January 18th, 2018 at NYUKO, located at 121 rue de Hollerich, Luxembourg (approx. 10 min. walking distance from Luxembourg Gare) and will take place during 6 Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 5.30pm

Pre-register at info@touchpoints.lu

> Individualized Follow-up Hands-on assistance with launching your project.PARTICIPATION FEE

DPI: 25 €. Fully refunded if participant attends at least 5 out of 6 sessions.BPI: 50 €. Partially refunded (30 €) if participant attends at least 5 sessions.

First session is mandatory for continuation.

Topics covered • Three-page business plan, budget, and start-up costs • VAT, tax, and administrative procedures • Business pitch, marketing, and specialized language acquisition

• Other resources and next steps

Completion of Sleeves Up Workshops also gives you .

For more information and to register, contact jordan@touchpoints.lu or call 691 997 421

We were kindly invited to present an introduction on how to create a business in Luxembourg for the participants of ASTI's Connections program. It's always a pleasure to engage with such an energized audience.

Today, we held our first Sleeves Up Meet Up at Casa Fabiana in Luxembourg city. These monthly meetings over food with entrepreneurs are designed to inspire and inform.

Eighteen participants got firsthand insights from restaurant owner Fabiana who kindly shared details about challenges of starting and managing an organic restaurant. Aspiring, current and former entrepreneurs asked pointed questions and compared personal experiences.

We look forward to our next Sleeves Up Meet Up in December!

If you'd like to be involved in a future Meet-Ups, please contact jordan@touchpoints.lu to learn more about how it works!

Photo credit: Dorte Størup

Ten participants (9 from Syria & 1 from Irak) successfully completed the second round of Sleeves Up Training Workshops for DPI & BPI in Clervaux. They have worked on a business project intended to eventually provide a means of self-employment in their new Luxembourgish homes.

TOPICS COVERED

Three-page business plan, budget, and start-up costsVAT, tax, and administrative proceduresBusiness pitch, marketing, and specialized language acquisition

Ten people participated in the workshops in Clervaux, which were held in English.

>> Pour la traduction française, voir plus bas.

>> للغة العربية، انظر أدناه

After a successful session in January, we are happy and proud to announce that we have been reinvited by CLAE asbl and its project team of InSitu Jobs to hold additional infosessions on how to become an entrepreneur in Luxembourg on the following dates:

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017 at 11 AM: Held in FrenchThursday, June 29th, 2017 at 11 AM: Held in EnglishTuesday, July 4th, 2017 at 11 AM: Held in Arabic

CLAE is located at 26, rue de Gasperich L-1617 Luxembourg. The conversation will address how both asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection can begin preparing for eventually launching their own business, as well as information regarding the administrative steps involved. Admission is free.

Après une session réussite en janvier, nous sommes heureux et fiers d'annoncer que nous avons été réinvité par CLAE asbl et son équipe de projet d'InSitu Jobs pour organiser des interventions supplémentaires sur comment devenir entrepreneur à Luxembourg aux dates suivantes:

Le mardi 27 juin 2017 à 11h: En français Le jeudi 29 juin 2017 à 11h: En anglais

Le mardi 4 juillet 2017 à 11h: En arabe

CLAE est situé au 26, rue de Gasperich L-1617 Luxembourg. La conversation traitera de la façon dont les demandeurs d'asile et les bénéficiaires de protection internationale peuvent préparer le lancement de leur projet, ainsi que des informations concernant les étapes administratives impliquées. L'entrée est gratuite.

في إطار InSitu Jobs ,CLEA asbl و Touchpoints asbl سيعقدون محاضرات عن كيفية إنشاء مشروعات تجارية في لوكسمبورغ في التواريخ التالية:

- يوم الثلاثاء، 27 يونيو، 11h00، باللغة الفرنسية

- يوم الخميس، 29 يونيو، 11h00، باللغة الإنجليزية

- يوم الثلاثاء, 4 يوليو, 11h00, باللغة العربية

العنوان:

CLAE, 26 rue de Gasperich, Luxembourg

الحضورمجاني

Sur invitation de ACIL, Amitié Côte d'Ivoire Luxembourg asbl, nous sommes ravis de vous proposer une séance d'information sur 'Comment créer une entreprise au Luxembourg?' le 20 juin 2017 de 14.00 à 16.00 heures au bâtiment HARIKO à Luxembourg, Dernier Sol 1 (derrière la Gare). La séance se tiendra en langue française et traitera notamment:

des étapes préliminaires qui mènent à la création d'un projet entrepreneurial,des étapes administratives,ainsi que des facteurs de motivation.

L'entrée est gratuite!

للغة العربية، انظر أدناه

In partnership with Digital Inclusion, Sleeves Up will discuss how to create a business in Luxembourg on the following dates.

Digital Inclusion is located at 1 Dernier Sol, 2543 Luxembourg (in the basement of the building). The conversation will address how both asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection can prepare to eventually launch their own business. Admission is free.

دعوة

بالتعاون مع

Digital Inclusion

:ستعقد محاضرة عن كيفية إقامة مشروع تجاري في لكسمبرغ في التواريخ التالية

• الساعة الاثنين, يوم الاثنين, 12 يونيو, 2017: باللغة الإنجليزية

• الساعة الاثنين, يوم الاثنين, 19 يونيو, 2017: باللغة العربية

:العنوان

1 Dernier Sol, 2543 Luxembourg (الطابق السفلي)

ستعالج المحادثة كيف يمكن للاجئين البدء في الاستعداد لإطلاق المشروعات الخاصة. الحضور مجاني

On May 11, 2017, Caritas invited project Sleeves Up to Foyer Marienthal to speak about setting up a business in Luxembourg. Many of the participants once had restaurants, cafés or bakeries in the Middle East, and they wished to establish similar businesses in Luxembourg. The conversation - conducted in Arabic - focused on how to obtain a business permit for food-related commercial activities, as well as the importance of learning either French, Germany, Luxembourgish, or English for pursuing a commercial activity in Luxembourg.

>> Pour la traduction française, voir plus bas.>> للغة العربية، انظر أدناه >> برای فارسی، پایین را ببینید

In partnership with Hariko, Sleeves Up will hold infosessions on how to create a business in Luxembourg on the following dates.

Tuesday, May 16th, 2017 at 2PM - 4PM: Held in English/PersianTuesday, May 23rd, 2017 at 2PM - 4PM: Held in FrenchTuesday, May 30th, 2017 at 2PM - 4PM: Held in Arabic

Hariko is located at 1 Dernier Sol, 2543 Luxembourg. The conversation will address how both asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection can begin preparing for eventually launching their own business. Admission is free.