That’s a wrap on our Thrive & Connect – Migrant Entrepreneur event series, and what an inspiring week it was.

Across four carefully curated sessions, we created intentionally intimate learning environments designed to meet the unique needs of migrant entrepreneurs - founders who often navigate additional layers of complexity, resilience, and cultural adjustment as they build their businesses in Australia.

Our goal was simple:
to offer practical, accessible support that empowers migrant entrepreneurs to grow digitally, connect meaningfully, and thrive with confidence.

Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Spaces

Each session was crafted to offer more than just business education. We wanted participants to feel safe, welcomed and understood, with the freedom to ask questions, share their journey and learn alongside others with similar lived experiences.

To support this, we provided:

• Small, intimate groups to spark honest conversation and deeper learning
• Practical digital skills training, tailored to real business needs
• Dedicated connection time to build community, share stories, and form relationships

This intentional approach allowed participants to slow down, reflect, and walk away with tools they could use immediately in their businesses.

Accessible Learning Through In-Language Support

A major highlight of the series was our in-language Spanish session, delivered by Liliana Bravo Quiroz from Casa Bonita.

For many entrepreneurs, language can be a real barrier to accessing support. To make this series genuinely inclusive, we offered:

• A full Spanish-language session
• Translated slides
• Multi-language support materials

This ensured participants could engage with the content deeply, comfortably, and confidently—no matter their English level.

Prioritising Wellbeing as a Business Skill

Entrepreneurship is demanding, especially for those building a life and business in a new country. That’s why wellbeing was a core pillar of this program.

With guidance from Neami National, participants learned:

• Practical wellbeing tools
• Mindfulness techniques
• Ways to manage stress and build resilience
• Everyday habits to support mental health

These sessions were a powerful reminder that business success isn’t just about strategy and systems - it’s also about energy, mindset, and emotional safety.

Connection as a Catalyst for Growth

Alongside skills and wellbeing, each session incorporated dedicated time for networking and genuine connection.

This was a fantastic opportunity to:

• Meet other migrant entrepreneurs
• Exchange ideas and experiences
• Build support networks
• Find collaborators and new friends

The room was filled with warmth, generosity, and community spirit, proof of what’s possible when people feel truly welcomed and seen.

Thank You to Our Partners

This series was made possible through the support and collaboration of organisations committed to empowering migrant entrepreneurs.

A heartfelt thank you to:

• True Tribe
• Casa Bonita
• Neami National
• City of Greater Dandenong

Your expertise, cultural leadership and community focus helped make Thrive & Connect a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

At Melbourne Innovation Centre, supporting migrant entrepreneurs is not a one-off initiative, it’s a core part of who we are. We regularly deliver programs and events designed to build capability, confidence and community for migrant founders across Victoria.

We’re committed to continuing this work, creating more opportunities for connection, accessible learning, and culturally grounded support for the people who bring such extraordinary value, resilience and creativity to our business ecosystem.