How Jumpstart Refugee Talent is Bringing Displaced Talent to Canada

Pictured: Jumpstart Refugee Talent’s team at the Global Refugee Labour Summit in Amman, Jordan: Mustafa Alio (left), Bassel Ramli (center), and Naeem Sayes (right).

Forming partnerships with a wide network of trusted partners is key to TBB’s strategy to scale. We believe that this collaborative approach is the fastest and best route to a more equitable system; one that extends life-changing opportunities to displaced people everywhere.

One such collaboration is our partnership with Jumpstart Refugee Talent in Canada. Founded in 2016, Jumpstart is a national refugee-led nonprofit organization that focuses on the economic empowerment of newly settled refugees by facilitating meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

Jumpstart is committed to leveraging the skills and talents of refugees, addressing underemployment, and promoting economic inclusion. 

“Refugees are a valuable asset to Canadian society, bringing a wealth of diverse backgrounds and talents,” Bassel Ramli, co-founder of Jumpstart Refugee Talent, says. “They contribute to Canada's competitiveness in the global market, igniting innovation, fostering diversity, and driving economic growth. Their resilience and skills enrich our nation, making it stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive.” 

Jumpstart's journey began with a focus on supporting Syrian newcomers in Toronto, but has since grown to serve refugees from all backgrounds across Canada. Many refugees arrive in Canada with valuable skills and talents but face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to find meaningful employment in their field. Jumpstart believes that refugees should have the opportunity to utilize their skills to the best of their ability, rather than starting at the bottom of the ladder. By providing job readiness training, professional development support, mentorship, employment support, and entrepreneurship opportunities, Jumpstart empowers refugees to continue their careers and rebuild their lives in Canada. 

TBB collaborates with Jumpstart and IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) on the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). TBB Canada and Jumpstart work together as a matrix team to facilitate job-matching between Canadian employers and displaced job seekers abroad. 

“By partnering together, TBB Canada and Jumpstart can leverage each other’s knowledge, tools, and expertise to achieve economies of scale for both employers and displaced talent,” Lara Dyer, TBB’s Canada Director, said. “In particular, we really value the perspective that Jumpstart brings to the EMPP as a refugee-led organization.”

In March of 2023, the federal government announced that a new pathway under the EMPP will be introduced by the summer of this year, further empowering employers with access to an untapped talent pool and aiming to address labour shortages in key areas such as healthcare, skilled trades, and information technology.

By recognizing the skills and talents of refugees, promoting economic inclusion, and collaborating with government agencies, settlement sectors, and employers, TBB and Jumpstart are proud to be contributing to the success and prosperity of refugees in Canada, while also benefiting Canadian society and the economy. 

Want to partner with TBB?

We’re committed to sharing resources and supporting others to replicate and expand on our work. If your organization is interested in working with us on refugee labor mobility, we’d love to hear from you.