Ethnic economy has increased in most European countries. More and more service companies are being founded by unemployed members of minority ethnic groups. Bi-nationality seems to be an additional qualification, a door opener and an economic factor.

For many members of minority ethnic groups being self-employed is the only way out of poverty and unemployment and a key to integration through the process of work. Look at the mobile-phone shops, the night-shops, the small shops offering local supplies, the cafes, IT companies, travel agencies...

Ethnic economy creates new potential and economic power as well as new apprenticeship training positions and jobs. In the light of self-exploitation and exploitation of the family networks, however, there is a growing demand of expertise and COACHING for the founders and the members of their families.

Seven organizations from five different European countries (Germany, France, Belgium, Greece, and Czech Republic) are co-operating in the project “IBP - The Immigrant’s Business Plan“in order to develop guidelines for the coaching of company founders of minority ethnic backgrounds.