Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Bosley.
Hi Alice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in the U.S., but when I was eight, my family moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We spent the next decade or so living between Saudi and the U.S, and that experience shaped how I see the world. No matter someone’s background or language, I’ve found that we all share the same core needs and dreams.
Early in my career, I worked at the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, Iraq and then joined the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR)’s Innovation office in Geneva. Through our work in refugee camps around the world, I met countless refugees with incredible skills and creativity, but who faced significant structural barriers due to their status. I ran UNHCR’s innovation incubator for UN colleagues and kept thinking: why should this kind of support only exist for UN colleagues, and not refugees?
That question led me to co-found Five One Labs (https://fiveonelabs.org/), a startup incubator supporting overlooked entrepreneurs in conflict-affected communities, starting in Iraq. Since then, we’ve supported thousands of entrepreneurs, both local and displaced, in Iraq, Colombia, and the US, and have created a growing community of resilient, talented founders. I’ve always been most energized by building things that help people unlock their potential, especially in complex or under-resourced environments. My work has made me feel deeply connected to people around the world, and I carry that perspective into everything I do.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Launching a social enterprise in Iraq and then expanding internationally was a wild ride both in good and bad ways. Our work was affected by the reality around us, which included earthquakes, border closures, and sometimes (though not frequently) disruptions due to security issues. Once we expanded our work to Colombia, those challenges included running multi-country teams, with multiple languages, different markets to serve, and different perspectives. And finally, when I moved back to the US in 2021 from Iraq, the major challenge for me personally was being so far from the impact, entrepreneurs, and team members that made the organization so amazing. At the end of 2024, I decided to step away from my role as the Executive Director of Five One Labs, though I remain the President of the Board. I wanted to focus my energy more on where I am now – the Triangle Area in North Carolina!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2024, Five One Labs partnered with Raleigh Parks to pilot our first longer-term program in the US for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs, called Business Bloom. Our entrepreneur cohort in 2024 was incredibly impressive: with 12 nationalities, 5 languages spoken and 17 business ideas, it was a vibrant space for creativity, collaboration and business creation. The program was sponsored by Truist Foundation, with support from Raleigh Founded.
I’m so excited this year to be working directly with Raleigh Parks to run the program for a second time. This year’s program (like last year), is open to everyone and especially welcomes immigrants, refugees, and others new to the U.S! Business Bloom (https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/news/business-bloom) will provide around 20 aspiring entrepreneurs in the Raleigh area with eight weeks of:
– Practical training on business and innovation
– One-on-one mentorship from local business experts
– Information on how to register and license your business in North Carolina and Raleigh
– Networking opportunities with the local business community
– A community of other entrepreneurs to share ideas with!
If you have a business idea and are interested in being part of a collaborative community of founders getting practical support to launch, you should apply!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up, I used to go to a Pawtucket Red Sox game on the 4th of July to watch fireworks and baseball and eat amazing stadium nachos. I am so excited as my daughter grows older to be able to have the same experience with her here at the Durham Bulls!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/news/business-bloom
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-bosley-66809139/
