Business Ideas for Development (BID)

Individuals who have the courage to leave their countries and start a new life tend to be more open to taking risks than the wider population. This is manifested, for example, by the fact that migrants often start their own businesses in countries of destination. Other factors that contribute to this tendency are limited access to and lack of alternatives in the job market.

Yet, in many ways this potential of migration is still untapped, especially when it comes to migrants who would like to use the know-how and work experience that they have gained abroad to set up their own business in their country of origin. Their know-how and businesses can contribute to economic growth, create new jobs, drive innovation, solve pressing social or ecological problems – that is, contribute to sustainable development in countries of origin.

Our initiative Business Ideas for Development supports this entrepreneurial spirit in the diaspora. It assists members of the diaspora in refining their business ideas and launching successful companies in their countries of origin. Diaspora entrepreneurs create new opportunities – for themselves and for their countries of origin.

Yet, starting a business is a bold step that requires considerable forethought and planning especially when starting a business far from where you currently live. Life in general and the business environment in particular can bring a variety of challenges that are different from those in Germany. In many countries, entrepreneurs face a variety of challenges. Time-consuming bureaucracy, complex laws or difficulties in obtaining financing are just a few.

For these reasons, Business Ideas for Development, together with its partners, provides advice and assistance to diaspora entrepreneurs before and during the start-up process. The support starts in Germany and continues later on in the country where the business will be launched. 
Since 2010 we have advised more than 900 members of the diaspora who would like to start a business in their country of origin. We have assisted and accompanied more than 200 people to turn their business idea into a vital business.

Business Ideas for Development is currently offering its services for the following partner countries: Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Serbia, Tunisia and Viet Nam.
 

The first years after starting a business are particularly critical. There are many challenges that entrepreneurs face during this phase, and this is especially true for the diaspora who have founded a business in their countries of origin. Typical challenges include – among many others – financing and access to the market.

To support young entrepreneurs from the diaspora to establish themselves on the market, we have expanded our offerings: since 2025, diaspora entrepreneurs who have already started a business in their country of origin can apply for further support! The BID Acceleration Offer now supports diaspora entrepreneurs with individual consulting and networking to take their businesses to the next level. 

This offer is currently available to members of the diaspora in Germany, with businesses in Ecuador, Ghana, India, Cameroon, Colombia, Serbia, Tunisia, or Viet Nam.