Archive 2019
Here you will find selected reports on events we organized and the work we did in projects in 2019.
ASM exhibition on the diversity and economic power of Steindamm opens
View more
The Association of Self-Employed Migrants (ASM) hosted an event at the Haspa branch on Steindamm on November 2, 2019. After the ticket office closed, the association presented the photo exhibition "My Company - My Steindamm - My St. George," which was created as part of the project "Activating Migrant Businesses on Steindamm for Responsible Coexistence in Public Spaces." In the exhibition, 14 Steindamm business owners briefly and concisely describe what they value about this lively city center location and describe their offerings. Haspa branch manager Steffen Börms welcomed the guests and called the exhibition "a good opportunity to bring Steindamm into the public eye."
ASM Managing Director Marion Wartumjan conceived the idea for the exhibition. "We want to showcase the economic power of Steindamm," Wartumjan told the approximately 40 guests, including numerous entrepreneurs from Sankt Georg. The project team held more than 70 discussions with local businesses over the past year, reporting both problems and potential solutions back to the Hamburg-Mitte District Office. The project has been funded by the Hamburg-Mitte District Office's Neighborhood Fund since the beginning of the year.
Michael Koglin calls Steindamm an "oriental pearl." The journalist conducted extensive interviews with the businesses located on Steindamm. The portraits were taken by photographer Anna Koglin. Both attest to the location's astonishing development, which has not yet been recognized by the public or the media. Evidence of this is the founding of the Steindamm Entrepreneurs' Association (UGS) in 2019, supported by ASM.
"The association should achieve what has been neglected for years," said Hanifi Toprak, the first chairman of the UGS. Toprak continued: "We finally have a voice for the local business community on Steindamm." The owner of the "Batman" restaurant thanked Marion Wartumjan and district manager Wolfgang Schüler of the IG Steindamm for their cooperation and networking activities. After the speeches, the guests chatted while viewing the exhibition posters and enjoying the subtle musical accompaniment of the "Oriental Band Hamburg."
ASM Managing Director Marion Wartumjan conceived the idea for the exhibition. "We want to showcase the economic power of Steindamm," Wartumjan told the approximately 40 guests, including numerous entrepreneurs from Sankt Georg. The project team held more than 70 discussions with local businesses over the past year, reporting both problems and potential solutions back to the Hamburg-Mitte District Office. The project has been funded by the Hamburg-Mitte District Office's Neighborhood Fund since the beginning of the year.
Michael Koglin calls Steindamm an "oriental pearl." The journalist conducted extensive interviews with the businesses located on Steindamm. The portraits were taken by photographer Anna Koglin. Both attest to the location's astonishing development, which has not yet been recognized by the public or the media. Evidence of this is the founding of the Steindamm Entrepreneurs' Association (UGS) in 2019, supported by ASM.
"The association should achieve what has been neglected for years," said Hanifi Toprak, the first chairman of the UGS. Toprak continued: "We finally have a voice for the local business community on Steindamm." The owner of the "Batman" restaurant thanked Marion Wartumjan and district manager Wolfgang Schüler of the IG Steindamm for their cooperation and networking activities. After the speeches, the guests chatted while viewing the exhibition posters and enjoying the subtle musical accompaniment of the "Oriental Band Hamburg."
Network meeting at ASM strengthens female founders with a migration background
"We want to empower women, connect them, and find solutions that encourage more and more women to become self-employed," said business start-up consultant Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels when welcoming participants to the network meeting at ASM on November 20, 2019. Twenty-three women accepted the association's invitation to attend the 2019 German Entrepreneurs' Week. Networking offers opportunities to make women more visible, said ASM Managing Director Marion Wartumjan.
Two female entrepreneurs then told the participants about their journey to self-employment. Journalist Binet Ibrahim from Ethiopia was unable to work for several years due to raising her four children. "When I was cooking, I often got feedback that I should open a restaurant." She sought advice from Rogacka-Michels and founded "Habesha Catering." She began handling catering orders in her kitchen and living room, she explains with a laugh. She recently signed the lease for a restaurant. Her advice to the female founders and young entrepreneurs present: "You have to put your heart into it. That makes everything easier."
Tülay Bozan can look back on many years of experience as an entrepreneur. Twenty-six years ago, the Turkish-born woman founded her hair salon, "Coiffeur Tülay," in the Hamburg district of Lurup. "I wanted to take responsibility for myself. When I think back today, I'm glad I did," says the trained hairdresser, who has completed various advanced training courses. She recalls that 26 years ago, it was very difficult for a woman to become self-employed. Despite having three children, she managed to obtain her master's degree. Bozan: "Take six months. That's very important. You also need to have enough money set aside to cover expenses. And advertising is key."
Following these impressive statements from the two entrepreneurs, the most important part of the evening followed: the networking. And the participants made full use of this opportunity: business cards were exchanged at all tables, as were the experiences gained during the startup process.
"We want to empower women, connect them, and find solutions that encourage more and more women to become self-employed," said business start-up consultant Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels when welcoming participants to the network meeting at ASM on November 20, 2019. Twenty-three women accepted the association's invitation to attend the 2019 German Entrepreneurs' Week. Networking offers opportunities to make women more visible, said ASM Managing Director Marion Wartumjan.
Two female entrepreneurs then told the participants about their journey to self-employment. Journalist Binet Ibrahim from Ethiopia was unable to work for several years due to raising her four children. "When I was cooking, I often got feedback that I should open a restaurant." She sought advice from Rogacka-Michels and founded "Habesha Catering." She began handling catering orders in her kitchen and living room, she explains with a laugh. She recently signed the lease for a restaurant. Her advice to the female founders and young entrepreneurs present: "You have to put your heart into it. That makes everything easier."
Tülay Bozan can look back on many years of experience as an entrepreneur. Twenty-six years ago, the Turkish-born woman founded her hair salon, "Coiffeur Tülay," in the Hamburg district of Lurup. "I wanted to take responsibility for myself. When I think back today, I'm glad I did," says the trained hairdresser, who has completed various advanced training courses. She recalls that 26 years ago, it was very difficult for a woman to become self-employed. Despite having three children, she managed to obtain her master's degree. Bozan: "Take six months. That's very important. You also need to have enough money set aside to cover expenses. And advertising is key."
Following these impressive statements from the two entrepreneurs, the most important part of the evening followed: the networking. And the participants made full use of this opportunity: business cards were exchanged at all tables, as were the experiences gained during the startup process.
Concentrated expertise: Conference of the Migrant Economics Forum in Hamburg
From November 14 to 15, 2019, the members of the Migrant Economics Expert Forum of the nationwide IQ Network met in Hamburg. The 30 participants addressed the topics of "Skills Development in Migrant Companies" and "Framework Conditions for Starting a Business and Securing a Business." ASM co-prepared and organized the expert forum, which falls under the technical responsibility of the IQ Migrant Economics Office.
On the first day, the participants visited the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank and Novum Hospitality, the in-house training academy of the migrant-run Novum Hotel Group. On the second day, the group met at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. There, the "Promoting the Migrant Economy" working group within the Hamburg Development Network presented them with key messages and recommendations for action on the migrant economy.
From November 14 to 15, 2019, the members of the Migrant Economics Expert Forum of the nationwide IQ Network met in Hamburg. The 30 participants addressed the topics of "Skills Development in Migrant Companies" and "Framework Conditions for Starting a Business and Securing a Business." ASM co-prepared and organized the expert forum, which falls under the technical responsibility of the IQ Migrant Economics Office.
On the first day, the participants visited the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank and Novum Hospitality, the in-house training academy of the migrant-run Novum Hotel Group. On the second day, the group met at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. There, the "Promoting the Migrant Economy" working group within the Hamburg Development Network presented them with key messages and recommendations for action on the migrant economy.
Die Staatsministerin mit den Teilnehmerinnen Sofia Dilya Laurent, Annette Widmann-Mauz, Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels im
Fotos: Integrationsbeauftragte / Coddou Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels, Gülcan Aydin (v.l.n.r.) Gespräch mit Annette Widmann-Mauz
Fotos: Integrationsbeauftragte / Coddou Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels, Gülcan Aydin (v.l.n.r.) Gespräch mit Annette Widmann-Mauz
Women Entrepreneurs Lunch at the Federal Chancellery
ASM with Hamburg entrepreneurs and founders invited
Annette Widmann-Mauz, the Federal Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration, hosted a luncheon for women entrepreneurs on September 20, 2019. With the invitation to the Federal Chancellery, the Minister of State sought to highlight successful female entrepreneurs with a history of immigration and displacement. Twenty-five female entrepreneurs and founders, as well as ten representatives from various institutions across Germany, attended to discuss the hurdles on the path to running a successful business and to share positive examples of successful female entrepreneurs.
ASM had also received an invitation, and so it came about that start-up consultant Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels traveled to Berlin with entrepreneur Gülcan Aydin (see portrait below) and founders Sofia Dilya Laurent (see portrait below) and Michele Munzel. Laurent and Munzel are currently being supported by Rogacka-Michels in their start-up projects as part of the IQ project Migrant Economy Service Center.
After the opening and welcoming remarks by Widmann-Mauz, three female entrepreneurs shared their motivations for becoming self-employed and their journey there. These were personal, touching, and moving examples that encouraged participants to believe in themselves, recognize their own abilities and potential, and take on the challenge of self-employment. During the discussions, a three-course meal was served by an entrepreneur with a refugee background.
The Minister of State attempted to identify the hurdles faced by entrepreneurs starting a business, concluding the event with four main ones: financing difficulties/limited access to credit, language barriers, bureaucracy, and difficulties obtaining German citizenship for foreign entrepreneurs. The guests from Hamburg took the opportunity to exchange ideas with other entrepreneurs and founders, contributing suggestions and ideas for needs.
ASM with Hamburg entrepreneurs and founders invited
Annette Widmann-Mauz, the Federal Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration, hosted a luncheon for women entrepreneurs on September 20, 2019. With the invitation to the Federal Chancellery, the Minister of State sought to highlight successful female entrepreneurs with a history of immigration and displacement. Twenty-five female entrepreneurs and founders, as well as ten representatives from various institutions across Germany, attended to discuss the hurdles on the path to running a successful business and to share positive examples of successful female entrepreneurs.
ASM had also received an invitation, and so it came about that start-up consultant Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels traveled to Berlin with entrepreneur Gülcan Aydin (see portrait below) and founders Sofia Dilya Laurent (see portrait below) and Michele Munzel. Laurent and Munzel are currently being supported by Rogacka-Michels in their start-up projects as part of the IQ project Migrant Economy Service Center.
After the opening and welcoming remarks by Widmann-Mauz, three female entrepreneurs shared their motivations for becoming self-employed and their journey there. These were personal, touching, and moving examples that encouraged participants to believe in themselves, recognize their own abilities and potential, and take on the challenge of self-employment. During the discussions, a three-course meal was served by an entrepreneur with a refugee background.
The Minister of State attempted to identify the hurdles faced by entrepreneurs starting a business, concluding the event with four main ones: financing difficulties/limited access to credit, language barriers, bureaucracy, and difficulties obtaining German citizenship for foreign entrepreneurs. The guests from Hamburg took the opportunity to exchange ideas with other entrepreneurs and founders, contributing suggestions and ideas for needs.
Encouraged by role models:
Founder Sofia Dilya Laurent
Sofia Dilya Laurent wants to support people who have had a difficult time settling into their new home of Germany due to cultural differences. She plans to offer parents and their children support to help them resolve conflicts. She is now close to setting up her own family support business. She has been toying with the idea of becoming self-employed on and off since 2011. In April 2019, she began putting her plans into action. She soon realized that she could use some support with the finer details of creating her business concept. During her online research, the 36-year-old came across ASM and is currently working with start-up consultant Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels on the final details of the concept.
At the age of 19, Laurent came to Schleswig-Holstein from Uzbekistan as an au pair. "I didn't speak any German at the time, so I initially learned it from the children," explains the entrepreneur. In her home country, she completed her Abitur (university entrance qualification) and then attended a law school, which leads to a qualification similar to that of a paralegal. In Germany, her Realschulabschluss (secondary school leaving certificate) was recognized for this qualification. Undeterred, however, Laurent completed a voluntary social service year, took a language course, then attended the Studienkolleg (preparatory college) in Kiel to gain admission to a university of applied sciences, and subsequently began studying social education.
Laurent: "I had to finance everything myself and worked several jobs," she recalls. Her father's trust in her helped her through the difficult time of her studies: "He always motivated me and told me to believe in myself." Her father had to overcome difficulties himself before he was able to set up his own private medical practice in Uzbekistan. Laurent: "He was ambitious and fearless, so he was a role model for me."
After graduating with a degree in social work, she gained several years of professional experience, including a position with a family and youth welfare organization. There, she found another role model in the Iraqi-born managing director: "He didn't grow up in Germany either, yet he's still very successful here. I thought to myself, if he can do it, I can do it too."
Founder Sofia Dilya Laurent
Sofia Dilya Laurent wants to support people who have had a difficult time settling into their new home of Germany due to cultural differences. She plans to offer parents and their children support to help them resolve conflicts. She is now close to setting up her own family support business. She has been toying with the idea of becoming self-employed on and off since 2011. In April 2019, she began putting her plans into action. She soon realized that she could use some support with the finer details of creating her business concept. During her online research, the 36-year-old came across ASM and is currently working with start-up consultant Katarzyna Rogacka-Michels on the final details of the concept.
At the age of 19, Laurent came to Schleswig-Holstein from Uzbekistan as an au pair. "I didn't speak any German at the time, so I initially learned it from the children," explains the entrepreneur. In her home country, she completed her Abitur (university entrance qualification) and then attended a law school, which leads to a qualification similar to that of a paralegal. In Germany, her Realschulabschluss (secondary school leaving certificate) was recognized for this qualification. Undeterred, however, Laurent completed a voluntary social service year, took a language course, then attended the Studienkolleg (preparatory college) in Kiel to gain admission to a university of applied sciences, and subsequently began studying social education.
Laurent: "I had to finance everything myself and worked several jobs," she recalls. Her father's trust in her helped her through the difficult time of her studies: "He always motivated me and told me to believe in myself." Her father had to overcome difficulties himself before he was able to set up his own private medical practice in Uzbekistan. Laurent: "He was ambitious and fearless, so he was a role model for me."
After graduating with a degree in social work, she gained several years of professional experience, including a position with a family and youth welfare organization. There, she found another role model in the Iraqi-born managing director: "He didn't grow up in Germany either, yet he's still very successful here. I thought to myself, if he can do it, I can do it too."
With her language skills and knowledge of cultural backgrounds – in addition to German, Laurent speaks Turkmen, Uzbek, Turkish, Russian, and Tajik – she is predestined to support families in crisis situations who have roots in Central Asia. However, the passionate belly dancer and salsa dancer hopes to be assigned German families by the Youth Welfare Office. Before that can happen, some approval formalities still need to be completed. But the company name has already been decided: "I'm going to call my company 'Heimatlicht' because Hamburg is now my home, I feel at home here, and light also represents something positive."
Boss of 20 employees: Gülcan Aydin, founder of “Anna's Daycare”
A family tragedy prompted the founding of the company "Anna's Daycare." In 2007, the father-in-law of company founder Gülcan Aydin suffered a stroke. "We didn't want to put him in a nursing home, but we couldn't find a day care provider to pick him up and drop him off," recalls the trained nurse. So she came up with the idea of starting her own day care business, offering a pick-up and drop-off service. In 2011, she put her idea into action.
A family tragedy prompted the founding of the company "Anna's Daycare." In 2007, the father-in-law of company founder Gülcan Aydin suffered a stroke. "We didn't want to put him in a nursing home, but we couldn't find a day care provider to pick him up and drop him off," recalls the trained nurse. So she came up with the idea of starting her own day care business, offering a pick-up and drop-off service. In 2011, she put her idea into action.
Although her father-in-law died shortly before the opening, up to 30 people in need of care have since found a new home at "Anna's Day Care." Previously, the mother of two adult sons, ages 24 and 29, managed an outpatient care service for seven years.
The beginnings were anything but easy, as people in many cultures categorically rule out placing a family member in care outside of the family. "Eight years ago, I had trouble attracting clients," Aydin recalls. "But slowly, everyone realized that there was no other way than with outside support, because you can't live on a salary here." Aydin's salary itself was extremely modest for the first four or five years. "I wondered if it would even work." But it did.
The entrepreneur now employs eleven part-time and six full-time staff in Oststeinbek. And "Anna's Daycare" is a training center for one apprentice each in the fields of "healthcare management," "geriatric nurse," and "geriatric nursing assistant." While Aydin, who came to the company from Turkey at the age of 16, was fully involved in day-to-day operations in the early years—a "jack of all trades," as she calls herself—she is now increasingly concentrating on controlling. Aydin: "I'm slowly handing things over, learning to let go." Perhaps this will soon mean more time for her beloved walks around Lake Öjendorf and her two-year-old grandchild.
50 years of the German-Israeli program for cooperation in vocational training
ASM Managing Director participates in the two-day ceremony in Berlin
Vocational training in Israel and Germany faces similar challenges due to technological, economic, and demographic developments. The cooperation between the two countries in the "German-Israeli Program for Cooperation in Vocational Training" aims to provide impetus for its further development. On September 9 and 10, the program's 50th anniversary was celebrated in Berlin with two ceremonies and prominent political guests.
Following a gala dinner on the opening day, the conference followed the following day, opening with a speech by the Federal Minister of Education and Research. Minister Anja Karliczek emphasized that German-Israeli vocational training cooperation has built reliable bridges between Germany and Israel. ASM Managing Director Marion Wartumjan also delivered a speech during the program. Addressing approximately 100 guests, including members of the German Bundestag, she emphasized the added value of the bilateral seminars in the host country: "The opportunity to discuss in an intercultural context makes one aware of the specific circumstances and the limited validity of one's own assumptions. The intensive exchanges with experts from both countries, lasting several days, are fruitful and have a lasting impact on one's own professional activities."
In 2017, at the invitation of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the BiBB (BiBB), the managing director of ASM participated in a three-day seminar in Tel Aviv together with practitioners and representatives of the ministries of both countries. The participants explored concepts and good practice projects from both countries focusing on language acquisition and career preparation, as well as counseling and support for immigrants, refugees, and disadvantaged groups. They identified success factors for problem situations and experienced pragmatic and flexible approaches of various institutions for these target groups. During the seminar, Wartumjan also presented the work of the "KAUSA Service Center Hamburg" project, which is based at ASM.
The ASM managing director has already traveled to the country several times for study purposes. "Even though the prerequisites and backgrounds for vocational training in Germany and Israel are different, we can still learn from each other by examining the factors for success," says Wartumjan.
The German-Israeli Vocational Training Cooperation Program was launched in 1969, four years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. More than 2,300 people, including trainees, have participated in the exchange to date.
ASM Managing Director participates in the two-day ceremony in Berlin
Vocational training in Israel and Germany faces similar challenges due to technological, economic, and demographic developments. The cooperation between the two countries in the "German-Israeli Program for Cooperation in Vocational Training" aims to provide impetus for its further development. On September 9 and 10, the program's 50th anniversary was celebrated in Berlin with two ceremonies and prominent political guests.
Following a gala dinner on the opening day, the conference followed the following day, opening with a speech by the Federal Minister of Education and Research. Minister Anja Karliczek emphasized that German-Israeli vocational training cooperation has built reliable bridges between Germany and Israel. ASM Managing Director Marion Wartumjan also delivered a speech during the program. Addressing approximately 100 guests, including members of the German Bundestag, she emphasized the added value of the bilateral seminars in the host country: "The opportunity to discuss in an intercultural context makes one aware of the specific circumstances and the limited validity of one's own assumptions. The intensive exchanges with experts from both countries, lasting several days, are fruitful and have a lasting impact on one's own professional activities."
In 2017, at the invitation of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the BiBB (BiBB), the managing director of ASM participated in a three-day seminar in Tel Aviv together with practitioners and representatives of the ministries of both countries. The participants explored concepts and good practice projects from both countries focusing on language acquisition and career preparation, as well as counseling and support for immigrants, refugees, and disadvantaged groups. They identified success factors for problem situations and experienced pragmatic and flexible approaches of various institutions for these target groups. During the seminar, Wartumjan also presented the work of the "KAUSA Service Center Hamburg" project, which is based at ASM.
The ASM managing director has already traveled to the country several times for study purposes. "Even though the prerequisites and backgrounds for vocational training in Germany and Israel are different, we can still learn from each other by examining the factors for success," says Wartumjan.
The German-Israeli Vocational Training Cooperation Program was launched in 1969, four years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. More than 2,300 people, including trainees, have participated in the exchange to date.
Excellent professional: Ehsan Nowroosi from the ASM training company in Jaipur
Ehsan Nowroosi is this year's top graduate in his field. At the graduation ceremony for hospitality professions at the Grand Elysée Hotel on June 27, the hospitality specialist was recognized for his outstanding performance in the final exam. The 24-year-old completed his two-year apprenticeship at the Jaipur Restaurant, a long-standing ASM training company. Nowroosi, originally from Afghanistan, contacted the KAUSA Training Service Center while searching for an apprenticeship after completing language and career orientation courses.
With an overall score of 94%, Nowroosi achieved success in the final exam, which was divided into an oral, a written, and a practical part. The young man, who came to Germany with his family at the end of 2015, left nothing to chance: "I studied at home for one to two hours every day before the exam." Nowroosi has already invested the prize money from the €300 sponsorship award in a language course. "I didn't pass the B2 exam after the first course, but I managed it the second time."
The former apprentice originally intended to leave the hospitality industry after completing his training. But after just two weeks as a trainee train driver at Deutsche Bahn, he threw in the towel: "It was too stressful for me." Nowroosi now plans to work in his chosen profession for one to two years and then start his own business with his brother. He's considering opening a bakery or bakeshop.
Ehsan Nowroosi is this year's top graduate in his field. At the graduation ceremony for hospitality professions at the Grand Elysée Hotel on June 27, the hospitality specialist was recognized for his outstanding performance in the final exam. The 24-year-old completed his two-year apprenticeship at the Jaipur Restaurant, a long-standing ASM training company. Nowroosi, originally from Afghanistan, contacted the KAUSA Training Service Center while searching for an apprenticeship after completing language and career orientation courses.
With an overall score of 94%, Nowroosi achieved success in the final exam, which was divided into an oral, a written, and a practical part. The young man, who came to Germany with his family at the end of 2015, left nothing to chance: "I studied at home for one to two hours every day before the exam." Nowroosi has already invested the prize money from the €300 sponsorship award in a language course. "I didn't pass the B2 exam after the first course, but I managed it the second time."
The former apprentice originally intended to leave the hospitality industry after completing his training. But after just two weeks as a trainee train driver at Deutsche Bahn, he threw in the towel: "It was too stressful for me." Nowroosi now plans to work in his chosen profession for one to two years and then start his own business with his brother. He's considering opening a bakery or bakeshop.
"Ehsan was a very good apprentice. I'm proud of him for receiving this award," says his trainer, Mercy Attipetty. She and her husband, Paul, have been running the Indian restaurant in the Uhlenhorst district for 23 years. Jaipur has been a training facility since 2007 and is supported by ASM in all matters related to training. Finding a successor for Jaipur to fill Nowroosi's large shoes will be no easy task.
Orient in Hamburg: Survey of entrepreneurs from Steindamm provides information about problems and development opportunities of the location
Steindamm is frequently the subject of media reports. These usually focus on grievances on the shopping street. But how do the business owners themselves view their neighborhood? What changes have they observed, and what do they hope to see in Steindamm's positive development, or what can they perhaps contribute to positive change themselves? The staff of the project "Activating Migrant Businesses on Steindamm for Responsible Coexistence in Public Spaces" discussed these and other questions with local business owners. The interviews and initial networking activities among the business owners form the prelude to further steps, such as individual coaching and targeted referrals for training programs.
The majority of the entrepreneurs with a migrant background surveyed see the greatest need for action in improving security and hygiene, as well as in combating garbage. Theft, drug use, and occasionally even organized begging are frequently cited as disadvantages of the location. Many of the businesspeople surveyed have agreed to participate in a business network currently being established. One of the network's goals is to increase identification with the neighborhood, where many of the self-employed do not live but simply run their businesses. Another goal is to determine what each business can contribute to improving the appearance of Steindamm.
Initial ideas for increasing the area's attractiveness already emerged during the survey. Some entrepreneurs are planning renovations and want to "give their business a facelift," while others plan to improve their service. There are also visions for the development of Steindamm. Perhaps the district could develop into a positive brand, "Orient in Hamburg." There is still a long way to go before its image is improved, and ASM employees are actively supporting the entrepreneurs this year by promoting the Hamburg-Mitte district.
Steindamm is frequently the subject of media reports. These usually focus on grievances on the shopping street. But how do the business owners themselves view their neighborhood? What changes have they observed, and what do they hope to see in Steindamm's positive development, or what can they perhaps contribute to positive change themselves? The staff of the project "Activating Migrant Businesses on Steindamm for Responsible Coexistence in Public Spaces" discussed these and other questions with local business owners. The interviews and initial networking activities among the business owners form the prelude to further steps, such as individual coaching and targeted referrals for training programs.
The majority of the entrepreneurs with a migrant background surveyed see the greatest need for action in improving security and hygiene, as well as in combating garbage. Theft, drug use, and occasionally even organized begging are frequently cited as disadvantages of the location. Many of the businesspeople surveyed have agreed to participate in a business network currently being established. One of the network's goals is to increase identification with the neighborhood, where many of the self-employed do not live but simply run their businesses. Another goal is to determine what each business can contribute to improving the appearance of Steindamm.
Initial ideas for increasing the area's attractiveness already emerged during the survey. Some entrepreneurs are planning renovations and want to "give their business a facelift," while others plan to improve their service. There are also visions for the development of Steindamm. Perhaps the district could develop into a positive brand, "Orient in Hamburg." There is still a long way to go before its image is improved, and ASM employees are actively supporting the entrepreneurs this year by promoting the Hamburg-Mitte district.
The stone dam before the redesign, which has already begun at the other end. Photo: ASM
New ideas for recruiting young talent - Entrepreneurs' round table on training on April 2, 2019
Young talent has become scarce in some industries, and young people's expectations of training companies have increased. As a result, companies have begun to rethink their approach. This was evident on April 2, 2019, at the Entrepreneurs' Training Roundtable in the Masala Lounge at Hansaplatz.
The SME owners represented there agreed that young people's commitment to appointments and agreements had also decreased, with cancellations often arriving at very short notice. Many of the entrepreneurs confirmed that they were having trouble recruiting trainees for their businesses. To counteract this trend, Sabine Glissmann of the Quality Hotel Ambassador Hamburg recommended actively marketing training opportunities. She advised organizing their own events and collaborating with the Employer Service of the Federal Employment Agency.
If the efforts to attract potential applicants are successful and a young person expresses interest in an apprenticeship, they only have one final hurdle to overcome with the host of the April regulars' table, restaurateur Sagar Ghai: "I first let the interested parties do an internship for two to three months, because the chemistry has to be right." Participants from the hotel and restaurant industry also raised the possibility of promising young mothers that they won't be assigned to work in the evenings, as is already practiced in some companies. It became clear that new ideas are needed in the competition between SMEs and large corporations for sought-after young talent.
Young talent has become scarce in some industries, and young people's expectations of training companies have increased. As a result, companies have begun to rethink their approach. This was evident on April 2, 2019, at the Entrepreneurs' Training Roundtable in the Masala Lounge at Hansaplatz.
The SME owners represented there agreed that young people's commitment to appointments and agreements had also decreased, with cancellations often arriving at very short notice. Many of the entrepreneurs confirmed that they were having trouble recruiting trainees for their businesses. To counteract this trend, Sabine Glissmann of the Quality Hotel Ambassador Hamburg recommended actively marketing training opportunities. She advised organizing their own events and collaborating with the Employer Service of the Federal Employment Agency.
If the efforts to attract potential applicants are successful and a young person expresses interest in an apprenticeship, they only have one final hurdle to overcome with the host of the April regulars' table, restaurateur Sagar Ghai: "I first let the interested parties do an internship for two to three months, because the chemistry has to be right." Participants from the hotel and restaurant industry also raised the possibility of promising young mothers that they won't be assigned to work in the evenings, as is already practiced in some companies. It became clear that new ideas are needed in the competition between SMEs and large corporations for sought-after young talent.
ASM project manager Arzu Pehlivan moderated the
Training meeting at Steindamm. Photo: ASM eV