OUR PURPOSE AND MISSION

Thrive is a national not-for-profit organisation providing refugees with small business education, planning support and start-up loans to improve financial and social outcomes. We have built a strong reputation with Government, national settlement program agencies, grassroots community groups and most importantly, our clients.

Founded on the core beliefs that refugees are entrepreneurial, hard working and contribute back to the economy through business participation and social integration.

Empowering Refugees

STRONG HISTORY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Refugees are Australia’s most entrepreneurial migrants and are almost twice as likely to be entrepreneurs as the wider Australian population. A report by the Centre for Policy Development (CDP) and Open Political Economy Network (OPEN) shows that supporting refugees in Australia to launch new businesses could result in nearly $1bn a year added to the economy within ten years.

EMPOWERMENT & DIGNITY

Good quality employment, such as being a small business owner, is an essential component of refugee resettlement. Successful employment and self-employment results in a greater sense of price, empowerment and self-efficacy, feelings of connection to community and increased hope for the future.  

CONTRIBUTION BACK TO ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

Empowering refugees to earn a living is critical if they are to rebuild their lives, and benefit the communities they live in. Many refugees, when given the right to work, launch their own businesses, support their families and boost local communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to build a brighter future for refugees in Australia by facilitating a pathway into small business and self-employment through business planning, financial capital and ongoing support.

  • We work with refugees to identify small businesses that match their skills, ambitions and interests.

  • We provide tailored support to refugees by recognising their unique interest and challenges.

  • We provide small business education and ongoing support to ensure their success. This can include English language learning, business planning, marketing and accounting best practices.

  • Thrive has a unique capability and model of support working within the broad eco-system of refugee settlement organisations. Australia has a national footprint of grassroots service delivery model embedded in primary refugee settlement destinations.

When we see our refugee client transition from unemployment to business owner, the benefit is enormous. Not only does it mean the ability to provide a reliable home for their family, their economic participation leads to greater community integration and acceptance, whilst significantly contributing to the Australian economy.

Partnerships & Sponsorships

Thrive works with the Australian Government, Corporate Australia, refugee settlement organisations and local communities to provide refugees with business support and finance.

Read about our partners and our Impact Report 2022. If you would like to speak with us about getting involved, register here.