Migrantpreneurs’ Success Story Sharing: Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit Across Borders

Online, 26 March 2025

On March 26, 2025, we had the pleasure of organizing the inspiring online event “Migrantpreneurs’ Success Story Sharing”, within the framework of the PRO-MOTE project. This dynamic gathering brought together over 160 participants from across Europe and beyond to celebrate the entrepreneurial journeys of migrants who are building successful businesses and contributing to more inclusive communities.

The panel discussion was skillfully moderated by Roko Kalafatić, journalist and podcast host at Lider Media, who guided the conversation with six outstanding migrant entrepreneurs currently living and working in Austria, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Croatia.

👥 Meet the Panelists:

  • Harriet Hala Kahuzu (Austria) – Founder of FAB L’Style Magazine, connecting African and European creatives in fashion, arts, and lifestyle.
  • Rilwan Mogaji, M.A. (Austria) – Founder of Mogaji Digital Communications, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, website development, and online training.
  • Brian Senaratne (Croatia) – Co-founder of Curry Bowl, an authentic Sri Lankan restaurant in Zagreb expanding through a franchise model.
  • Judith Castillo (Spain) – Founder of Nim Barefoot, creating natural barefoot footwear inspired by her journey into motherhood with twins.
  • Alan Da Silva Morai (Poland) – Founder of Família Brazilian Bistro, bringing the warmth of Brazilian cuisine to Kraków.
  • Abdel Rahman Ahmad Al Taha Al Omar (Italy, originally from Syria) – Founder of Matera Mini Market, one of the first ethnic food shops in Matera, offering traditional Middle Eastern products, vegetables, meat, and fish.

Through heartfelt and often emotional stories, each panelist shared personal experiences of launching a business in a new country—facing challenges, finding purpose, and building resilience.

💡 Lessons and Reflections

The panelists shared more than just business insights—they offered deep personal reflections and mindset shifts essential for entrepreneurial success. Memorable quotes from the session include:

🗣️ “Sometimes it’s better to be ignorant to start.”
🗣️ “Good feedback was my motivation to continue.”
🗣️ “The tipping point to start my business was COVID.”
🗣️ “Having a proper network and many mentors is crucial.”
🗣️ “Living in someone else’s country is like being a guest in their house—respect matters.”
🗣️ “Don’t be intimidated by being a foreigner.”
🗣️ “Having your own business is the best way to safeguard your future.”

These insights remind us that entrepreneurship is not only about economics—it is also about identity, creativity, courage, and community building.

🤝 A Joint Effort Across Europe

This event was organized as part of the PRO-MOTE project, which promotes migrant entrepreneurship and supports inclusive innovation across Europe, funded by European Union CERV programme.

Special thanks to the project partners who made this event possible:

  • Institute for Creative Education (Croatia)
  • CEPOR – Center for Policy Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (Croatia)
  • Cecot (Spain)
  • Materahub (Italy)
  • VHS Roma (Austria)
  • Jagiellonian University (Poland)

Together, we continue to build a Europe where migrant entrepreneurs are recognized as key drivers of innovation, resilience, and social inclusion.