Firms run by immigrant entrepreneurs contributed £13bn to Scotland’s economy and provided 107,000 jobs in 2017, according to a study.
Researchers found that one in 10 small and medium-sized businesses were led by non UK-born adults living in Scotland.
They also found migrant entrepreneurs were behind nearly half of the smaller firms which started up during 2017.
A total of 47% of 222,500 people who started a business had either come to, or moved within Scotland.
The research was commissioned by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
It was conducted by the Hunter Centre at the University of Strathclyde.
Analysis found that more than 37,000 people from other parts of the UK chose Scotland to start up in business in 2017, while more than 17,500 Scots who had previously lived overseas chose to do so.
‘Huge contribution’
Over the same period, it estimated that more than 18,400 overseas immigrants were trying to establish their own Scottish businesses.
About half of Scotland’s immigrant entrepreneurs were found to be based in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen.
Andrew McRae, of FSB Scotland, said: “This research shows that Scotland is home to entrepreneurs from all corners of the world and these people are making a huge contribution to Scotland’s economy.
“No matter whether they’re from England, Estonia or Ethiopia, what’s clear is that when someone moves to a new place they bring new perspectives and business ideas.
“Policymakers need to make sure that we give all start-ups the best chance to succeed.
“But this research found particularly poor links between immigrant entrepreneurs and the public bodies charged with giving them a hand.
“This is a problem which needs addressed….(Readmore)