This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The author is solely responsible for this publication (communication) and the Commission accepts no responsibility for any use may be made of the information contained therein. In compliance of the new GDPR framework, please note that the Partnership will only process your personal data in the sole interest and purpose of the project and without any prejudice to your rights.

Integreat, a digital integration platform, stands at the forefront of identifying opportunities for social and economic inclusion for migrants in Germany. Embraced by over 100 municipalities, it revolutionises information access for newcomers with its multilingual interface, offering localised insights and simplifying intricate processes.

The app not only facilitates smoother integration but also serves as a crucial tool for migrants to access local services and economic opportunities.

With an adaptable and inclusive design, Integreat empowers migrants to navigate complex landscapes, offering insights into local services and economic pathways.

The impact is reflected in over 3 million annual users, with successful implementations in over 60 cities, showcasing its prowess in supporting migrants on their integration journey.

Through digital literacy initiatives and inclusive content creation, it actively contributes to the identification and realisation of social and economic opportunities, marking a milestone in technology-driven solutions for inclusive integration work.

REFERENCES:

www.integreat.app

EKE (Entrepreneurship & Knowledge Exchange) group is an initiative created by Outside Media & Knowledge, with the desire to create a space for sharing knowledge in the area of entrepreneurship, non-formal adult education, and empowerment through professional and personal development of skills and networks.

As a place for kindness, mutual support, learning, and useful information, this group is inclusive and welcomes diverse people, with the aim to enable meaningful exchange of knowledge and resources. They want to see the progress of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, especially those who struggle because of language, or any other obstacles in the area of Germany.

By mutually sharing meaningful resources related to the topics of  entrepreneurship, personal development, and professional growth, this group serves as a great example of networking opportunity for those who find themselves on the outskirts of society. It also creates and encouraging and inspiring environment for those who need motivation in their journey.

Source: xoberlin, Leonor von Salisch

Leonor, a resident of Berlin for over a decade, founded xoberlin five and a half years ago. xoberlin stands as a pioneering creative agency specializing in producing visually striking photo and video campaigns meticulously crafted for sustainable brands. Operating from a dynamic perspective, Leonor's agency adopts a lean business model, collaborating with freelancers as needed, ensuring adaptability and cost-efficiency.

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE?

xoberlin embodies innovation and creativity in the sphere of sustainable branding. Leonor's keen eye for storytelling through visual media drives the agency to craft campaigns that go beyond mere promotional content. Instead, these campaigns serve as narratives, championing the ethos of sustainability while showcasing the brand's identity and values.

MOTIVATION FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR

Leonor's definition of entrepreneurship centers on bringing ideas to fruition and finding satisfaction in their realization. She sees entrepreneurship as an avenue for personal fulfillment rather than solely a financial pursuit. Her approach embodies a holistic view where passion intertwines with work, transforming her hobby into a source of income. Leonor's entrepreneurial journey is marked by an integrated life-business approach; she perceives her business as an extension of her personal life, fostering a holistic perspective toward entrepreneurship. Regarding essential competencies for entrepreneurs, Leonor underscores the significance of unwavering commitment, persistence, and an insatiable drive to exceed oneself, advocating for striving beyond 100% in efforts to deliver. Learning from failures and mistakes emerges as a crucial skill, emphasizing the importance of reflection and open-mindedness to broaden one's entrepreneurial horizons. Being studious, proactive in problem-solving, and taking responsibility for the business's entirety are attributes she holds paramount. Moreover, Leonor advocates for confidence in the unpredictable nature of business, fostering trust in the process despite inevitable deviations from plans. Flexibility is key; she likens entrepreneurship to surfing, adeptly navigating various aspects of managing a business and being kind to oneself amidst challenges. Leonor emphasizes the indispensable role of interpersonal skills, stressing the importance of honesty, reliability, and loyalty in nurturing relationships, a vital aspect for fostering productive collaborations and sustaining successful work relationships.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR - CHALLENGES FACED & HOW YOU HAVE OVERCOME.

"If an idea sparks you or if there is an idea you are really inspired by, don't be afraid to put it into the world, because if you are inspired by the idea and share it with the world, people will see it and see it as an authenticity.” - Leonor von Salisch

Leonor's journey as an entrepreneur with xoberlin has been a testament to overcoming significant challenges, notably in client acquisition, sales, and negotiation. Initially, securing projects proved daunting. With guidance from her boyfriend, also an entrepreneur, she discovered the power of building genuine relationships with potential clients. Initially drawing clear lines between personal and professional, she evolved to foster a more amicable bond with clients, engaging in social outings to nurture pleasant work relations. Trusting in her product and maintaining transparent discussions played a pivotal role. Leonor's approach wasn't forceful; instead, she showcased her portfolio openly on her website, allowing her work to speak for itself. Negotiation posed a distinct challenge, especially when balancing content creation with financial discussions. Sometimes employing an accountant to handle negotiations, she grappled with setting fair prices and managing client expectations. Over time, she learned the importance of valuing her time, recognizing that aligning with clients willing to pay fairly ensures mutual respect. Despite these challenges persisting as the toughest aspects of her business, Leonor views them as opportunities for continual growth and development, pushing her boundaries as an entrepreneur.

BENEFITS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED/POSITIVE IMPACTS?

xoberlin's impact is multi-layered. The agency has carved a niche by catering to smaller sustainable brands lacking resources for extensive marketing. Its lean operational structure ensures flexibility and cost-effectiveness while delivering top-notch content, fostering trust and loyalty among clients. Additionally, Leonor's journey as an entrepreneur has provided her with invaluable experiences, enriching her skills and outlook.

PLANS & VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

"Take your time, don't rush it. Embrace the process and just do it"- Leonor von Salisch

Leonor envisions a future where xoberlin expands its footprint, fostering deeper collaborations with sustainable brands not only in Germany but also across borders, especially in the Netherlands. Her ambition is to propel the agency's evolution, consistently innovating to remain at the forefront of delivering intelligently crafted, sustainable content. She aims to navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship while upholding xoberlin's commitment to excellence and sustainability.

REFERENCES

xoberlin

Pictures: Hier-we-go, Juicy

Mohammed Fadhel Al-Lami, a determined entrepreneur originating from Halle (Saale), embarked on his gastronomic venture while navigating through his academic pursuits. In a bold move devoid of prior experience in the culinary realm, Mohammed birthed NICE, a kebab store, and JUICY, an establishment specializing in delectable vegan donuts and tantalizing bagels. These two vibrant outlets stand as testaments to Mohammed's unwavering commitment to offering health-conscious yet mouthwatering culinary options, successfully drawing in a youthful, discerning clientele.

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE?

According to the interview, NICE and JUICY, strategically positioned a stone's throw away from each other, cater to a discerning audience seeking not only nutritious but also flavorful and aesthetically pleasing food alternatives. Driven by his vision for healthier eating habits, Mohammed ingeniously reimagined the traditional kebab by emphasizing wholemeal bread and sauces devoid of excesses, while JUICY proudly presents an array of vegan donuts, inventive bagels, and nutrient-rich "smoothies with intentions" meticulously curated from organic, locally sourced produce. Beyond their sumptuous offerings, both establishments boast vibrant interiors and meticulously designed spaces aimed at crafting an immersive and visually engaging dining experience.

MOTIVATION FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

At the heart of Mohammed's entrepreneurial journey lies an unyielding drive to transform Halle's gastronomic landscape. Inspired by a friend's insight regarding a well-equipped kitchen, Mohammed embraced the opportunity, propelled by a fervent desire to introduce accessible yet wholesome food choices to the community. His impetus to provide affordable, healthy vegan options stemmed from personal encounters, acknowledging the dearth of accessible vegan-friendly dining experiences. Fuelled by this passion for inclusivity and health-conscious eating, NICE and JUICY emerged as embodiments of Mohammed's commitment to culinary innovation, as he states in the interview.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR - CHALLENGES FACED & HOW YOU HAVE OVERCOME

Commencing without industry expertise, Mohammed encountered formidable challenges, notably grappling with technical construction complexities. However, his resourceful network of friends emerged as invaluable pillars of support, aiding him through these turbulent beginnings. While academic courses provided foundational knowledge, Mohammed's true education lay in hands-on experiences and interactions with a multitude of supportive individuals. Surmounting bureaucratic hurdles with guidance from a specialist lawyer and navigating the intricate landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic became a litmus test for his resilience, necessitating adaptive measures such as pioneering delivery services and pioneering innovative strategies to sustain his burgeoning enterprises.

BENEFITS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED/POSITIVE IMPACTS?

Mohammed's entrepreneurial endeavors reaped substantial success, surpassing anticipated sales figures and transcending ordinary customer interactions. The unique offerings of NICE and JUICY caught the attention of event organizers, leading to a surge in demand for celebratory occasions, unexpected events like funerals, and a burgeoning online presence on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. Beyond profitability, Mohammed's establishments have catalyzed job creation, diversified Halle's culinary landscape, and fostered an ethos of community engagement and inclusivity.

PLANS & VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

While navigating the final stretches of his academic journey, Mohammed envisions expanding the footprint of his enterprises through the avenue of franchising, with potential inquiries emanating from cities like Osnabrück and Hanover. His ambitions encompass augmenting the existing establishments, mentoring and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, and fortifying the foundation of his franchises. Envisioning Halle's untapped potential, Mohammed remains committed to the city's growth while strategically expanding his ventures to other locales. Armed with an unrelenting work ethic and an unwavering pursuit of continual enhancement, Mohammed envisages a future where NICE and JUICY become benchmarks for innovative, health-focused dining experiences, setting new standards in culinary excellence and community engagement.

JUICY - Donuts & Bagels (@juicy_halle) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos

https://shorturl.at/jopu2

According to the interview, Ein guter Plan (“A good Plan”) was born out of necessity and became a virtue: one of the founders, Jan Lenarz, was struggling with burnout and thus found his way to mindfulness. Together with his girlfriend Milena Glimbovski, who seemed to have fallen into a similar diagnosis, they questioned the attitude of the start-up world as a self-exploitation industry. Because they were part of it themselves: while Jan Vehement had founded the only sustainable extreme sports brand, Milena was the first owner of a store for products without disposable packaging in Berlin with Original Unverpackt. Milena is originally from Siberia and emigrated from Moldova to Germany with her parents.

They came up with an idea to break the cycle of performance mode and total exhaustion: the daily preoccupation with whether we pay attention to our needs helps to ground us - they put this idea into the form of a small diary.

Launched in 2015, Ein guter Plan is now Germany's most popular brand for mindfulness calendars and journals. The iconic design and ecological production have won numerous awards.

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE?

Ein guter Plan has a diverse product range that aims to help people structure their lives and achieve their goals. With a range of planners and notebooks, "Ein guter Plan" offers creative solutions for the individual needs of its users. The selection ranges from classic annual planners to specialized task and project planners and creative diaries.

Over the years, the products have been greatly expanded and the founders have repeatedly taken a critical look at the topic of mindfulness. Because: the topic had become hype. However, Ein guter Plan is not just quick to jump on the bandwagon, but emphasizes a combination of traditional mindfulness approaches with the basic assumption that society also contributes to the permanent exhaustion of the individual. This is why self-compassion is also an important component of the planners' concept.

The company attaches particular importance to environmental protection and aims to set new standards in the industry by developing the two seals Vegan Book and Free from Foil.

MOTIVATION FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

The two were primarily driven by their own concerns: there is often little room for work-life balance in start-ups. Especially when you want to realize your own dream, you like to put your time into the company. You are prepared to "go the extra mile", as many startup job advertisements put it.

Milena got involved in environmental issues early on and built up a network. This in turn led to contacts that were helpful in setting up her two companies.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR - CHALLENGES FACED & HOW YOU HAVE OVERCOME.

Although burnout was seen as the initial spark for the start-up idea, it was also one of the challenges that had to be overcome. Of course, in an exceptional situation like this, you quickly reach your breaking point.

So they came up with the idea of only printing a small edition for their own network and not setting up their own company for the time being. They made a crowdfunding video and launched a campaign on Startnext. The goal of €15,000 for 600 books was to be reached within 30 days. However, the target was reached after just a few hours at the end of the campaign. Their idea was overfunded by 1,200%, making it the most successful German crowdfunding campaign for a product at the time.

Despite the overwhelming success and positive media response, there were also challenges in terms of business know-how. Milena had no knowledge of business administration and an expert was only brought into the team at a late stage. The founders learned an important lesson from this: Business management skills should be given greater consideration right from the start.

BENEFITS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED/POSITIVE IMPACTS?

When Milena moved to Germany with her parents in 1995, it was hard to feel at home. Going to a café and enjoying her coffee, her parents thought "Only the others do that, it’s not us".  But Milena refused to accept this attitude. She transformed her parents' belief into an empowering thought: my being different is an asset to society! She brings this spirit to all her projects.

PLANS & VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

What began a few years ago as a small idea for personal use has now developed into the most popular and ecological brand for mindfulness in Germany. All expectations have been exceeded many times over. The new goal now is to appreciate the success and continue to do a good job without exploiting itself or the concept. An addition to the range is planned where it makes sense, but just as much love will continue to be put into each book as into the first titles. This aspiration is being met, as you can see from the many fantastic reviews for the newer works. They are full of drive to bring their core themes of mindfulness, burnout prevention and self-love to the forefront of society.

Senzaan Craft is an online store for home accessories and home decor founded by Juie and Mo in June 2021.  Under the name senzaan_craft (sen = "line", "fiber"; zaan = "weave"), they sell modern, high-quality and handmade design products, most of which are made from rapidly renewable natural raw materials such as Cyprus grass in Thailand. Their business model improves the quality of life of Thailand's rural population - the products are produced in Thailand and sold in Germany.

According to an article, they cooperate with more than 200 craftsmen from the partner company Thorr in five provinces in the north and north-east. The artisans form local "communities" in which they live and work. Each of their products is woven with dedication and care by experienced artisans, requiring an outstanding level of skill and attention to detail.

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE?

According to their website, Senzaan produces handmade mats and home accessories of minimalist elegance and high quality. The products create a stylish balance between people, culture and nature. At the same time, they help to create a harmonious living atmosphere that inspires mindful inner peace.

The mats, table runners and placemats are predominantly made from Thai Cyprus grass ("Kok" in Thai). Kok, formerly considered a weed, is a sustainable, rapidly renewable raw material with robust fibers that ensure long-lasting products. In addition to kok grass, bamboo is also used for wall decorations. To ensure the longevity of the natural materials and prevent mold growth, they are coated.

The products are available via the online store, and some of the founders also take part in local creative markets in Hamburg.

MOTIVATION FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Juie and Mo, who have lived in Germany for over ten years and have a deep connection to Thailand, decided in 2021 not only to deepen their relationship but also to found Senzaan together. This initiative was born out of a strong desire to promote local crafts in the rural areas of Thailand and provide a sustainable livelihood for local people.

Mo, with a background in music therapy and a passion for art, photography and mindfulness, brings his diverse interests to the business. Juie, a designer with a Masters from the University of the Arts Bremen, focuses on social issues such as inclusion and co-creation, sharing the belief that good design should not only be functional but also socially positive.

The founders found an inspiring source in the traditional Thai art of braiding and weaving. They consciously integrated this love of artistic craftsmanship into their social enterprise.

The idea of founding Senzaan was born in a relaxed moment on the sofa in early 2021, when Juie and Mo decided to use their relationship as the basis for a joint business. In their deliberations, they emphasized their values, common interests and the connection between Germany and Thailand. The clear result: the founding of a social enterprise for Thai crafts.

The decisive factor for them was not only to sell products, but also to have a positive impact on the lives of people in the rural regions of Thailand. By working closely with local business partners, communities and artisans, Juie and Mo aim to make a lasting improvement to life in the countryside. They are particularly committed to improving the working conditions of their partners and want to ensure that everyone involved benefits from their project.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR - CHALLENGES FACED und HOW YOU HAVE OVERCOME.

The founders of Senzaan faced a number of challenges, particularly due to their limited business knowledge and lack of experience in e-commerce. Dealing with numbers and setting up the website and online store was a real challenge. Although it might have been helpful to attend some courses beforehand, they decided to just start and keep learning.

They also took advantage of a consultancy service for social enterprises. Here they were supported in particular in refining the business model and the online store business.

The most valuable insight for Mo while setting up the business was that running a couple and business at the same time is no easy task. There is always a risk of conflict, especially in stressful times. To avoid this, Mo and Juie give each other timely feedback on their stress levels. Mo uses his many years of experience as a music therapist to help with this. As a designer, Juie takes care of the company's appearance. Her experience as a freelance designer in another project, "hey ju design", enables her to use her knowledge and network for Senzaan. Nevertheless, she herself says that the two businesses are different and emphasizes the need for openness and flexibility when facing new challenges such as import and customs, pricing or distribution.

BENEFITS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED/POSITIVE IMPACTS?

As the two are originally from Thailand, they have no language barrier when working with the partner company. What's more, their country of origin is the reason why they decided to sell Thai products and work with Thorr. Thorr is a former fellow student of Juie's from Thailand.

They have also built up a network in the social entrepreneurship community and came across a consultancy service for social enterprises. They received support in refining their business model and the online store business.

PLANS / VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

The Senzaan founders are optimistic about the future and have clear plans for themselves and their company. Mo emphasizes the key role of a stable relationship for the continuity of Senzaan. The company's existence depends not only on the founders' relationship, but also on whether their business model continues to support the communities in Thailand and help the villagers there. This approach validates their idea, and they are willing to consider reorienting or redesigning should this path change.

Juie and Mo recognize that the online presentation of their products cannot adequately convey all the qualities and features. Therefore, they are actively engaged in finding ways and collaborations to present their products effectively at offline events and other showcases. Their aim is to bring the special charm, tactile touch and unique smell of their handmade wickerwork to life.

REFERENCES:

https://www.senzaan.de/fair/
https://shorturl.at/emrtR

Startup Denmark is a visa scheme for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss citizens. You apply on the basis of a business plan which is evaluated by an independent expert panel. If the panel approves your business plan, you are eligible to apply for a residence and work permit as a self-employed entrepreneur. The permit is granted for a period of up to two years with the possibility of extension for three years at a time. Who is eligible to apply?

Startup Denmark is for self-employed persons, and only non-EU (European Union), non-EEA (European Economic Area) and and non-Swiss citizens can apply.

Up to three non-EU/EEA citizens can submit a business plan as a team. If the business plan is approved by the Startup Denmark expert panel the applicants must apply individually for a residence and work permit from the immigration authorities.

A non-EU/EEA citizen can submit a business plan together with EU/EEA citizens if they are part of the team behind the start-up. However, EU/EEA citizens do not need residence and work permits for Denmark due to the EU rules on free movement of persons and services.

SUCCESS STORIES USING START UP DENMARK

Case

Meet Kamila Kunrath an entrepreneur from Brasil living in Denmark and one of the co-founders of BlueBenu. In 2018, Kamila Kunrath was approved for Startup Denmark.

Akwaaba Ghana Innovation & HAPISS Association. Led by Happy Koffi Djebou, these organisations aim at empowering young Ghanaian entrepreneurs by offering financial, educational, and training support. Akwaaba Innovation Ghana promotes social welfare through innovative business practices, focusing on making positive impacts within communities. HAPISS Association assists small Ghanaian businesses with soft loans to help them expand.

Happy also founded AFADAO is AFRICA’s leading equity crowdfunding platform powered by web 3.0. We enable everyone to find unique startup investment opportunities and provide exciting growth companies with access to an important source of capital.

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE?

Nana Gyamerah Djebou, also known as Happy, is a philanthropist and the Youth Chief of Adansi North, Ghana. With over 30 years of residence in Denmark, he serves as the PR-Secretary for The Association of Ghanaians and Ghanaian Chiefs in Denmark.

In addition, he is a seasoned Danish/Ghanaian entrepreneur, boasting more than 15 years of experience in managing businesses within and beyond Denmark. His roots extend to Ghana and Togo, and he possesses a deep understanding of the business cultures in both Denmark, Nigeria and Ghana. Happy is a graduate of Metropolitan University College, Denmark, holding a degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. His extensive expertise encompasses providing advisory services to companies venturing into Ghana, Nigeria and the emerging markets of West Africa. This includes strategies for market entry, marketing, and partnership formation.

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Happy offers consulting services for those interested in exploring the Ghanaian/Nigerian/African markets. Africa presents abundant opportunities from every angle. The continent's emerging markets and the flow of capital and investments make it an exciting destination for engagement.

Recognizing the importance of comprehending the diverse mindsets and cultural backgrounds between Africa and Europe, Happy serves as the bridge to ensure the smooth integration of services, investments, and the establishment of new ventures.

MOTIVATION FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Happy's entrepreneurial drive was evident from his childhood in Ghana. Despite facing challenges as an immigrant in Denmark, including language barriers and integration issues, his passion for entrepreneurship never waned. This passion, rooted in his early experiences and desire to contribute positively to Ghana's prosperity, drove him to establish his ventures.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR - CHALLENGES FACED & HOW YOU HAVEOVERCOME.

Language and Integration: Upon moving to Denmark, Happy struggled with the Danish language, which was crucial for integration and making friends.

Entrepreneurial Challenges: Starting a business in Denmark posed numerous challenges, including obtaining a truck licence for his moving company and managing the business amidst financial strains. By involving friends and family and leveraging his community, Happy managed to overcome these hurdles.

Military Service: Serving in the Danish army, Happy was the only black person in his unit. This experience, although tough, instilled discipline and resilience in him.

BENEFITS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED/POSITIVE IMPACTS?

Happy's businesses have not only achieved financial success but also made significant social impacts. He has employed many, including Danes and Ghanaians, in both countries. His innovative fundraising methods, such as using dancing to support the needy in Africa, have been recognized and awarded.

His speaking engagements in the Danish Parliament highlight his achievements and contributions to both Denmark and Ghana.

REFERENCES:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/international-migrant-denmark-founder-akwaaba-ghana-hapiss-djebou

PinsaMe is an authentic Italian stall located in the Arkaden food market in Odense, Denmark. It offers traditional Italian dishes, focusing on the quality and authenticity of its offerings to provide a genuine taste of Italy in Denmark.

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR BUSINESS/SERVICE?

PinsaMe is an authentic Italian stall located in the Arkaden food market in Odense, Denmark. It offers traditional Italian dishes, focusing on the quality and authenticity of its offerings to provide a genuine taste of Italy in Denmark.

MOTIVATION FOR BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?

I came to Denmark in 2014 for six months as an Erasmus student. It was actually my last semester at my home university in Rome (Sapienza University of Rome) so it felt like the last opportunity to live abroad as an exchange student before writing my thesis and graduate. I found a job in an Italian restaurant in Odense shortly after I arrived in the city and as the working conditions in Denmark were more satisfactory than in Italy, I decided to stay here after the Erasmus period ended. I graduated in January 2016 and I am still in Denmark running my own business. Since I moved to Odense I noticed that there is a lack of authentic Italian restaurants as most of them blend Italian recipes with Danish elements. For example, they add pineapple slices in the pizza. That is unacceptable for Italians. Moreover, there are many places that sell low-quality food, which they call ‘Italian’, and in many cases, those places are owned by non-Italian immigrants. So, I was searching for an opportunity to open an Italian restaurant in Odense right after I had moved to Denmark. Finally, I noticed a lack of organization in the restaurant I was working at and I thought, ‘I can do it better’. I was planning to open a food stall in the first food market in Odense (the Storm’s Pakhus) in the summer of 2017, but due to some reasons, in the end, I decided not to. This April I got the chance to enter the Arkaden food market and that’s how PinsaMe was born.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR - CHALLENGES FACED & HOW YOU HAVEOVERCOME.

Since I moved to Odense I noticed that there is a lack of authentic Italian restaurants as most of them blend Italian recipes with Danish elements. For example, they add pineapple slices in the pizza. That is unacceptable for Italians. Moreover, there are many places that sell low-quality food, which they call ‘Italian’, and in many cases, those places are owned by non-Italian immigrants. So, I was searching for an opportunity to open an Italian restaurant in Odense right after I had moved to Denmark. Finally, I noticed a lack of organization in the restaurant I was working at and I thought, ‘I can do it better’. I was planning to open a food stall in the first food market in Odense (the Storm’s Pakhus) in the summer of 2017, but due to some reasons, in the end, I decided not to. This April I got the chance to enter the Arkaden food market and that’s how PinsaMe was born.

Despite the fact that I have learned Danish, the language was still a barrier. Opening a business comes with a great amount of paperwork and there were terms that I was not familiar with. Moreover, networking is important. Not knowing the right people can become quite a challenge when opening a new company. On the other hand, I can say that Denmark is a great place for founding a startup business.

BENEFITS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED/POSITIVE IMPACTS?

Opening PinsaMe has allowed Gilberto to bring a piece of Italian culture to Denmark, satisfying the local appetite for international cuisine. His experience highlights the opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs in Denmark's food industry, showcasing the positive impacts of diversity in culinary offerings

PLANS & VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

There are opportunities out there. Danes love international cuisine and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that Denmark doesn’t have a strong food culture like Italians have, for example. Foreigners bring their culture [to] a new country and a big part of their culture is the food. In Arkaden alone, the majority of the shops are run by first-generation immigrants – Indian, Moroccan, Thai, Japanese and others. On the other hand, the food industry is fragmented and [has] high competition. It is easy to start a business in the sector, but difficult to make it grow.

Gilberto’s vision for PinsaMe involves not only sustaining the authenticity and quality of his Italian dishes but also expanding his reach within Denmark’s food industry. By continuing to embrace the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, he aims to contribute further to the multicultural food scene in Denmark.

REFERENCES

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/denmark/articles/street-food-and-entrepreneurship-how-denmark-is-combining-the-two-industries

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