Welcome to TERN

You made it here.
Now let's build something beautiful together.

Since 2016, over 750 people like you have turned their ideas into real businesses. Whatever brought you to the UK — your story doesn't end here. It begins here.

I have a business idea Let's explore it together
I'd like to give back Volunteer, mentor, or donate
My organisation can help Let's create change together
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You belong here

You have an idea.
We'll help you make it real.

Starting a business in a new country can feel overwhelming. That's okay. Hundreds of people just like you have been where you are now — and they made it. You can too. Here's how we'll walk this path together:

Step 1

Share your dream with us

You don't need a business plan. You don't need perfect English. You just need an idea — even a small one. Our Spark programme is a safe, friendly space to explore what's possible. We'll listen, and we'll help you figure out the next step.

"I came to TERN with just a thought. They made me feel like it was worth something."
Step 2

Meet someone who gets it

We'll match you with a mentor — someone in your industry who genuinely cares. They'll meet with you regularly, answer your questions, and help you navigate the things that feel confusing. You're not alone in this.

"My mentor didn't just give advice — she believed in me before I believed in myself."
Step 3

Build it, your way

Workshops, funding guidance, practical tools — all free. We'll help you with the things that feel hard: registering a business, finding money, building a website, reaching customers. Step by step, at your pace.

"They helped me get my first grant. I cried. It was the first time someone invested in my future."
Step 4

You're part of a family now

500+ entrepreneurs from 65 countries — people who understand your journey because they've lived it. Events, peer support, and friendships that last. TERN isn't just a programme. It's a community that has your back.

"I found people who feel like home. We celebrate each other's wins like our own."

Ready? We'd love to meet you.

It's free. There's no commitment. Just a conversation about your idea and how we can help.

Let's talk

These aren't just numbers.
They're people like you.

Tap any card to hear a story behind it.

0 People who took the leap

"I was scared to even try. TERN helped me see that my experience — all of it — is my superpower." — Nejat

0 Dreams that became businesses

Catering, fashion, tech, coaching — every business started with someone just like you saying "what if?"

0 Cities where we're family

London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and more. Wherever you are in the UK, we're working to be near you.

0 Invested in someone's future

Grants and funding that said to someone: "We believe in you." That's what this money means.

People who make a difference — and what they taught me about hope

The Guardian, on the TERN community
People are talking about our community
BBC News The Guardian Virgin Creative Boom Daily Mail Positive News
Be part of someone's story

Behind every entrepreneur
is someone who believed in them.

Maybe that someone is you. Here are two ways to make a real difference in someone's life.

A volunteer and entrepreneur laughing together over coffee
Volunteers

Be the person who changes everything

Imagine someone arriving in a new country with a brilliant idea but no one to ask for advice. That's where you come in. Your experience, your time, your encouragement — it could be the moment they stop doubting and start building.

  • A few hours a month is all it takes
  • We train you and support you too
  • You'll be surprised who learns more
I'd like to volunteer
Partner organisations working with TERN entrepreneurs
Partners

Let's do something meaningful together

Your organisation has resources, connections, and reach. Our community has talent, determination, and ideas. Together, we can create programmes that change lives — not in theory, but in practice, one person at a time.

  • Real stories to share with your team
  • Programmes designed around your values
  • Impact you can see and feel
Let's talk about partnership
Entrepreneurs sharing food and laughter at a TERN event
Come join us
Where it all begins

Spark

Think of Spark as 8 weeks with people who get it. You'll explore your business idea in a group of fellow refugees who are figuring things out too. There's laughter, there are "aha!" moments, and there's us — cheering you on every step.

8 weeks, your pace
Your own mentor
Completely free
I'm interested
Have an idea? We'd love to hear it. Let's chat