Refugee Advantage

Over 120 million people are forcibly displaced across the world. Among them are over 42 million refugees, people compelled to leave both their homes and their home nations. Whilst commonly misconceived as a burden, refugees are more enterprising than the rest of the population, with statistics showing that 13% of refugees entering the US become entrepreneurs, versus just 9% of native-born Americans.The Refugee Advantage reveals how those who have been forced to start again are reshaping the business landscape around the world – for the better.What defines a refugee, in spirit and substance? What are the qualities and characteristics of those who have fled their native lands, under threat of death and persecution, to start a new life? What do leaders and investors need to know in order to facilitate better business decisions and increased social sensibility?Intent on changing perceptions and redirecting misunderstandings, The Refugee Advantage offers a research-based yet personal insight, challenging misconceptions surrounding refugees by showcasing them as the accomplished business owners and community contributors they truly are.From smart investment to entrepreneurial spirit, Dalton T. Sirmans’ guidance empowers business owners, HR professionals and readers alike to make informed decisions around hiring, investing, partnerships and more with increased understanding and awareness.

Dalton T. Sirmans is the founder of the Sirmans Global Impact Foundation, a philanthropic platform dedicated to reframing refugees and forcibly displaced people as economic contributors through investment, research, and storytelling. He is also the co-founder and senior partner of Amplio Ventures and Amplio Partners, which provide seed capital and impact investment to businesses focused on stabilizing refugee communities in the United States and internationally.Previously, Dalton was the co-founder and CEO of MainStreet Technologies (MST), a financial technology company acquired in 2018. Earlier in his career, he worked in journalism and media with publications including The Valdosta Daily Times, Community Newspapers, Inc. (CNI), Camden County Tribune, and American Lawyer Media.Dalton completed a Master of Liberal Arts in International Relations at Harvard in early 2025, where his studies focused on refugees, forced displacement, and migration. His work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, investment, and humanitarian innovation, with a particular emphasis on moving beyond traditional aid models toward durable, market-based solutions.