Roma Small Business Programme

The Roma Small Business Programme was implemented as part of the Autonómia Foundation’s multi-stage development system, with the aim of providing assistance to the economic enterprises of Roma organisations and offering support for the launch of such programmes as a ‘continuation’ of labour market training.

The programme supported organisations that had already successfully completed labour market training courses supported by the Autonómia Foundation or other institutions, and which sought to provide business or employment opportunities for participants, or to develop their existing activities.

The support was directed towards the purchase of equipment, the establishment and development of businesses, and business development training. Under the programme, sawmills, sewing workshops, and forestry and construction activities, amongst others, were launched or expanded.

The projects were implemented in disadvantaged areas, typically in regions with small villages.

Of the nine organisations supported under the programme in 2001, five also successfully participated in the Roma Labour Market Training scheme, meaning these associations were eligible for funding for their entire programme (training + employment).

The methods tested – linking training and employment, and supporting small-scale business development – served as a model for subsequent programmes.