Portfolio of Solutions: Poland
Hello Europe in Action
The Hello Europe in Poland is an ecosystem-building initiative led by Ashoka Poland in partnership with Citi Foundation and the Leopold Kronenberg Foundation. The Accelerator focuses on strengthening migrant-led social entrepreneurship by enabling individuals to transform their ideas into impactful and sustainable initiatives that contribute to both social inclusion and economic prosperity in Poland.
Designed as a comprehensive support system, the programme addresses key barriers faced by migrant entrepreneurs, including limited access to funding, networks, and enabling policies. It aims not only to support individual ventures but also to contribute to a more inclusive ecosystem by promoting policy change and increasing investor interest in migrant-led social enterprises.
Selected participants receive tailored support through a three-month acceleration journey, including the development of business models, communication strategies, and connections with potential partners and investors. Each initiative is also supported with a non-repayable grant, alongside opportunities to present their projects and engage with a broader European network of migrant entrepreneurs supported through Hello Europe.
The Europe Accelerator supports ten selected migrant-led initiatives, with the ambition that these projects serve as replicable models for others across the country. Through close collaboration with migrant communities, organisations, and an advisory board, the programme ensures that its approach responds to real needs while strengthening cross-sector cooperation.
Beyond direct support, the Hello Europe Accelerator Program also seeks to influence decision-makers and investors by demonstrating the value of migrant-led innovation. By fostering collaboration, visibility, and enabling conditions, it contributes to building a more inclusive and dynamic social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Poland.
Ecosystem of Solutions
SAM CUTS BARBER SALON | Founded by Segun Akeju
THE PROBLEM
In Poland’s largely homogeneous society, many people struggle to find beauty and hair services suited to diverse skin tones and hair types. At the same time, migrants often face challenges in legalising their stay, accessing work permits, and navigating administrative systems, with limited support structures available.
THE SOLUTION
Sam Cuts is a barbershop in central Warsaw providing specialised services for non-European hair types while also acting as an informal support hub. Beyond offering high-quality grooming services, the salon creates a welcoming space where migrants can seek guidance and community support.
THE IMPACT
Located in the Śródmieście district, the salon serves a diverse clientele from across migrant communities as well as local residents. It fills a critical gap in services while fostering a sense of belonging and community, offering both practical support and a safe social space for connection.
ZAWARKA CLUB | Founded by Anastasiia Sergeeva, Anastasiya Grigorash & Maria Charmast
THE PROBLEM
Migrant children in Poland often face discrimination in schools, while lacking spaces that support both integration and connection to their cultural identity. Adults similarly struggle to find supportive communities.
THE SOLUTION
Zawarka is a community club in Warsaw offering educational, cultural, and social activities for migrant children and their families. It provides language, literature, and history classes, as well as cultural events that promote integration and shared values.
THE IMPACT
Since 2016, Zawarka has supported the integration of many families in Warsaw. Its model is now evolving into a social franchise, with the ambition to expand to other cities where similar needs exist.
CENTER FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN | Founded by Artem Tuliuk
THE PROBLEM
Access to high-quality autism care remains limited in many Eastern European countries, forcing families to migrate. Language barriers then create additional obstacles to accessing support in host countries.
THE SOLUTION
The initiative aims to establish a centre offering specialised support for children with autism in multiple languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish, ensuring accessible and culturally sensitive care.
THE IMPACT
Currently in development, the centre aims to improve communication between families and professionals, enhance care outcomes, and create employment opportunities for migrants with relevant language skills.
AERIAL DANCE GYM | Founded by Sofia Diduk
THE PROBLEM
Migrants often lose access to cultural and physical activities from their home countries due to financial barriers and lack of facilities, while many people face sedentary lifestyles and limited inclusive fitness options.
THE SOLUTION
Aerial Dance Gym combines sport and art, offering inclusive classes accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It promotes physical activity, cultural expression, and social connection.
THE IMPACT
Still in development, the initiative aims to provide inclusive and therapeutic physical activity, including free classes for migrants and people with disabilities, while expanding into broader fitness and wellbeing programmes.
REUSABLE DIAPERS & ECOLOGICAL PRODUCTS | Founded by Mariana Lunova
THE PROBLEM
Single-use products such as diapers contribute significantly to environmental degradation. At the same time, migrant women often face unemployment and lack access to stable, fair work.
THE SOLUTION
This initiative aims to produce reusable diapers and handmade ecological products while employing migrant women, creating both environmental and social impact.
THE IMPACT
Currently in development, the project seeks to promote sustainable consumption while building a supportive employment ecosystem for migrant women.
“KONICZYNA” (CLOVER) CATERING | Founded by Khava Kagermanova
THE PROBLEM
Refugees frequently face discrimination in the labour market, limiting access to safe and stable employment opportunities.
THE SOLUTION
Koniczyna Catering aims to create an online catering business where migrants can work in a supportive environment, combining culinary skills with sustainable practices such as reducing food waste.
THE IMPACT
In development, the initiative aims to create inclusive employment opportunities while promoting environmentally conscious food practices.
WEYES | Founded by Anton Bulakh (with Alina Shkliaruk, Eugene Chechkov & Roman Pavliuk)
THE PROBLEM
Children who wear glasses often experience bullying and reduced self-confidence, leading to reluctance to use them and impacting their wellbeing and safety.
THE SOLUTION
Weyes is an interactive app allowing children to design their own glasses frames, combining custom fit technology with creative input to make the experience engaging and empowering.
THE IMPACT
Currently in development, the initiative aims to improve children’s confidence and encourage consistent use of glasses, supporting both health and wellbeing.
DIGITAL INCLUSION POLAND | Founded by Roman Boreńko
THE PROBLEM
Many digital platforms remain inaccessible to people with disabilities, limiting their access to education, employment, and services. At the same time, employment opportunities for people with disabilities are limited.
THE SOLUTION
Digital Inclusion Poland aims to improve web accessibility by employing people with disabilities and migrants to design and evaluate accessible digital platforms.
THE IMPACT
In development, the initiative seeks to expand inclusive employment while improving access to digital services across sectors.
AZIMA TATAR DELIGHTS BAKERY | Founded by Susanna Izzetdinova
THE PROBLEM
Migrants often face discrimination in employment and lack access to stable income opportunities, while also experiencing cultural disconnection.
THE SOLUTION
Azima Bakery brings Tatar culture to Poland through food while creating employment opportunities for migrants, particularly women.
THE IMPACT
Since opening in 2019 in Gdańsk, the bakery has grown from a family-run initiative to employing five staff members. It has gained strong public recognition and provides a safe and inclusive workplace for migrants.
BALLSQUAD | Founded by Walid Barsali, Dorota Caban & Michel Tatarczuk
THE PROBLEM
Accessing and booking sports facilities is often complex and fragmented, particularly for migrants facing language barriers.
THE SOLUTION
BallSquad is a digital platform that connects users, facility managers, and public institutions, simplifying access to sports venues and enabling booking, team creation, and payments.
THE IMPACT
Currently in pilot phase, the platform is being tested in multiple cities and aims to scale, improving access to sports infrastructure while supporting community engagement and inclusion.