About this episode
How can entrepreneurship help refugees rebuild their lives and create new opportunities?
In this episode of From Garage to Growth, we sit down with Djordje Cetojevic from Neustart.plus, an organisation helping refugees across Germany transform business ideas into successful ventures.
Drawing on his own experience as an immigrant, Djordje shares why entrepreneurship can be a powerful pathway to economic independence, social integration, and long-term opportunity for people starting over in a new country.
Building Businesses, Rebuilding Lives
Starting a business is challenging for anyone—but refugee entrepreneurs often face additional barriers.
Djordje explains how Neustart.plus supports founders from the earliest stages of developing an idea through to launching and growing a business.
A Different Kind of Startup Programme
Neustart.plus provides more than just business advice.
We explore the organisation’s approach to supporting entrepreneurs through multilingual workshops, one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and practical guidance tailored to the unique needs of refugee founders.
Navigating Barriers
Language, legal systems, and unfamiliar business environments can make entrepreneurship especially difficult.
Djordje discusses the challenges refugee entrepreneurs face and the importance of creating support systems that help founders overcome these obstacles with confidence.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Creating inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems means ensuring everyone has access to opportunity.
We discuss how Neustart.plus actively supports women entrepreneurs and why increasing female participation is essential for building stronger, more diverse startup communities.
Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Integration
Beyond creating businesses, entrepreneurship can strengthen communities.
Djordje shares how refugee-led businesses contribute to local economies, foster cultural exchange, create employment opportunities, and help newcomers become active participants in society.
Advice for Founders
Reflecting on his work with hundreds of entrepreneurs, Djordje shares practical advice for founders on resilience, adaptability, and building businesses that create both economic and social impact.
Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, social innovation, migration, or ecosystem building, this episode offers an inspiring look at how business can become a force for inclusion and opportunity.
About the Guest
Djordje Cetojevic works with Neustart.plus, an organisation supporting refugee entrepreneurs across Germany through mentoring, education, coaching, and practical business support.