Refugee week at City Lit: refugees, entrepreneurship and business

What is the course about?

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

For Refugee Week 2026, City Lit is offering a series of one‑off workshops that promote inclusion, understanding and shared creativity. Led by our expert tutors, the sessions will focus on lived experiences of displacement, bringing together students, staff and the local community for storytelling, skill‑sharing and cultural exchange. You can find out more about City Lit's journey to becoming a College of Sanctuaryhere.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, waves of refugees have shaped the UK’s business landscape. Jewish refugees (1930/40s) established businesses in finance, fashion, and science. Polish and Eastern European arrivals (1940/50s) were part of post-war businesses. Ugandan Asians (1972) entrepreneurship launched retail and trade enterprises as did Vietnamese refugees (1970/80s. More recently, Syrian (2010s) and Ukrainian (2022) refugees have brought technology skills and entrepreneurship.

The session explores the impact of refugees on businesses in the UK, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities they bring to the economy. We will examine the contributions of refugees as entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Additionally, we will discuss notable refugees who have made significant contributions to UK business and society.

What will we cover?

- The contributions of refugees, including businesses, entrepreneurship, and skills diversity.
- Case studies of successful refugee entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK.
- The role of businesses in supporting refugee integration and economic inclusion.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Explain the impact of refugees on UK businesses and the wider economy.
- Recognise the contributions of famous refugee entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK.
- Evaluate how businesses can support and integrate refugees into the workforce.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is designed for beginners and intermediate learners who are interested in understanding the intersection of refugees and business. No prior knowledge is required, but an interest in business, entrepreneurs, or social issues will be beneficial.

You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.

However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.

Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- The course will include a mix of lectures and interactive segments, ensuring an engaging learning experience.
- Short video clips will provide real-world insights into refugee contributions to business.
- Group work will allow participants to collaborate and explore refugee business impacts.
- The opportunity to ask questions and share any experience.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs or specific materials required. Participants may find it helpful to take notes and engage with suggested reading materials for deeper understanding.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Explore our other Refugee Week 2026 courses