Sarah A. Tobin, Research Director and Research Professor at Chr. Michelsen Institute in Bergen, Norway, will share her findings on a recent study on entrepreneurship among Muslim immigrants in Norway.
This four-year Norwegian Research Council-funded project explores the dynamics that keep Muslim immigrant entrepreneurs in Norway from establishing and growing their enterprises and becoming sources for socio-economic equality and integration. A significant portion of Muslim immigrants become entrepreneurs, and most of them struggle to become established and grow their businesses due to a lack of Islamic-compliant finance in Norway.
They hit the “invisible ceiling” of financial exclusion. The presentation shares the findings of the project so far and discusses a path forward for Muslim immigrant entrepreneurs in Norway and beyond.
Following Ms. Tobin’s remarks, local small business owner Mr. Faisal Deri will share his perspectives and experiences, after which visitors will be invited to offer questions and comments.
About Sarah A. Tobin
Sarah A. Tobin, Research Director and Research Professor at Chr. Michelsen Institute in Bergen, Norway, is an anthropologist focusing on Islam, economic anthropology, and displacement/migration in the Middle East and East Africa.
Her work explores transformations in religious and economic life, identity, and personal piety. She also examines the intersections of gender, Islamic authority and normative Islam, public ethics, and Islamic authenticity. Ethnographically, her work focuses on Islam in the economy, especially Islamic Banking and Finance. Her monograph, Everyday Piety: Islam and Economy in Jordan was published by Cornell University Press in 2016. She has over a dozen peer-reviewed articles that have been published in Migration Studies, Islamic Studies, and Anthropology journals.
email: sarah.tobin@cmi.no
About Faisal Deri
Faisal, a small technology business owner, is deeply engaged in AI implementation, governance, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. He has a track record of propelling startups from their early stages to notable industry players. His commitment extends to mentoring East African / Muslim entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities, helping them navigate and succeed in the digital marketplace. Faisal's leadership has been crucial in helping these businesses with the capabilities to join and excel in the mainstream economy.