Dublin City of Sanctuary supports entrepreneurs from a migrant background to start their own businesses. In addition we offer technology internships and support people to access employment.
“When I was studying Software Development level 6 in Rathmines College and I had to find an IT workplace to do my work experience for the course, the Dublin City of Sanctuary opportunity for an internship was a great help. Niamh offered to assist me and gave me an opportunity to do my two weeks work experience with her. I like working with Niamh because of the efforts she made to help me understand her business. Her encouragement and support made a massive difference in my ability to achieve.”
Ahmad, Syria
Our aims are to
We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 7.30pm. Please submit the form on the right to join Niamh, Byron and Muhamad to get an invite to the virtual meeting.
Support for new businesses establishing in Ireland
We share knowledge to support entrepreneurs in the critical early stages in a business, including support with company incorporation, business plans, social welfare entitlements, accounting, revenue requirements and with marketing, websites and social media.
We leverage our relationships with banks, insurance companies, Local Enterprise Offices and Social Welfare Offices so that we can leverage existing mainstream services and bring a particular understanding of the challenges faced by people recently arrived in Ireland, for example language and literacy issues, financial history etc.
Career Mentoring in Technology, Finance and other careers.
We support people seeking sanctuary with 1-1 mentoring to open up opportunities in education and career advancement. As part of this stream we work with migrants in Ireland and also people overseas with migrant/refugee/IDP backgrounds. We equip our clients with winning CVs and cover letters. Through internships we provide real world experience to prepare them for work in Ireland. Finally we assist with job searches online and through introductions.
Leverage our relationships built over years of working in business to connect migrants with opportunities
We engage with large Multi-National Enterprises and SMEs based in Ireland to connect people seeking sanctuary with opportunities in those companies.
Niamh Phelan
Niamh is a technologist, specialising in Data and Analytics, and has run her own consultancy business for 10 years. She has degree in Computer Science and an MSc. in Management Science. Niamh mentors technology interns and supports businesses with government supports information, strategy, technology and social media.
Byron Smith
Byron is passionate about finding people centric solutions to business and societal problems. With a background in finance and accounting, Byron provides invaluable advice to entrepreneurs at the company formation stage.
Muhammad Achour
Muhammad is a Syrian architect who believes that Art and Design are twin aims to make life better and more beautiful. He studied architecture in Aleppo, Syria graduating in 2007, and now works at DCU as a teaching assistant.
Niamh with support from Muhammad and Byron presented a Webinar in conjunction with United for Changes focused on Ukrainian entrepreneurs starting new businesses in Ireland.
The City of Sanctuary Business and Enterprise program would like to congratulate Rami on launching his new business, Shiny Bright Windows, offering window cleaning in
Registering your business with the Company Registration Office is an important step to take on your journey as an entrepreneur in Ireland. There are three
