From Displacement to Determination: How Refugees Like Me Build Businesses Against the Odds

Starting a business in London is difficult for anyone. But for refugees, it can feel almost impossible.

We arrive with little more than hope—often with no credit history, limited networks, unfamiliarity with the system, and, at times, poor English. I’ve met fellow refugees who were engineers, teachers, and business owners back home, yet here they are forced to restart from scratch, often doing menial jobs just to survive.

Many come carrying trauma, legal uncertainty, and the pressure to support family members left behind. And yet, across the UK, refugee entrepreneurs consistently defy the odds—launching businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the economy. According to the OECD, refugees are more likely than native-born citizens to be self-employed in many European countries, including the UK. What they lack in capital, they make up for in resilience.

I know this journey intimately—because I’ve lived it.

As an Afghan refugee, I started with very little but a drive to succeed. Today, I run multiple ventures—including Ezy Access Windows, which specializes in premium aluminum windows, doors, and curtain wall systems. It’s one of my businesses, and I’m happy to discuss it here because it represents what is possible when a refugee entrepreneur takes smart risks, learns continuously, and doesn’t give up. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way—and what I wish more refugee entrepreneurs knew before starting their journeys.

Take the Risk—But Plan Wisely

Many in our communities shy away from entrepreneurship out of fear—fear of failure, debt, or public embarrassment. This is especially true for those of us raised in cultures that prioritize job security over uncertainty. But here’s the truth: no business succeeds without some level of risk. What matters is how you manage it. When I launched Ezy Access Windows, I didn’t throw all my savings into one idea. I started small, tested demand, sought out advice, and reinvested profits. I made mistakes—but I learned from each one. That’s how growth happens.

Tip: Take calculated risks. Use free business resources, like The Prince’s Trust or StartUp School for Refugees. Start part-time if you have to. But start.

Be Patient—Growth Takes Time

A common misconception is that businesses should turn a profit within months. That’s rarely true. Many Afghan and refugee entrepreneurs expect quick returns, and when that doesn’t happen, they give up. In my case, I spent nearly a year breaking even. Every penny went back into the business—improving quality, securing suppliers, building trust. It’s only now that I’m seeing the results of that early investment.

Tip: Don’t chase fast money. Chase long-term value. Budget for a slow start and track your progress across months, not weeks.

Community Support is Everything—But Don’t Wait for It

One of the hardest parts of starting out was the lack of support from my own community. While there were well-wishers, there wasn’t much practical help—no referrals, no mentorship, few partnerships. This isn’t unique to me. Many refugee entrepreneurs I know experience the same silence. But instead of letting that discourage me, I built new networks—from other immigrant founders to local business forums. Those relationships opened doors I couldn’t access on my own.

Tip: Don’t isolate yourself. Join business hubs like Impact Hub, Foundervine, or Tern. Collaborate with others, including outside your ethnic community.

Use Your Story as a Strength

Refugee entrepreneurs bring a unique asset: the ability to rebuild. We’ve already done the hardest thing—starting life over. That resilience, if channeled correctly, makes us capable of solving problems, adapting fast, and staying motivated when others might quit. I’ve made my journey part of my brand. Clients appreciate not just our product quality, but our story. It creates loyalty and meaning.

Tip: Don’t hide your background. Embrace it. Let your journey inspire trust and connection.

Final Words: From Surviving to Thriving

To any refugee or Afghan entrepreneur reading this: yes, the system is tough. Yes, you’ll face barriers. But your lived experience has already prepared you to overcome them. Don’t wait for the perfect time or perfect idea. Start small. Learn constantly. Take the leap. Your business could become more than a source of income. It could be a statement—that you belong, that you contribute, and that success after displacement is not just possible—it’s powerful.

I started with nothing. Now, I’m building something that lasts. So can you.