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A big problem for any refugee entrepreneur is access to business finance. This is particularly so for devout Muslims, who cannot accept or pay interest (or ‘reba’) and who are consequently shut out of conventional lending services. To help this population, the Microenterprise Program has developed a reba-free loan product. We are one of very few organizations in California to offer business financing acceptable to Muslims.

Through the first such loan, the Microenterprise Program is assisting a Sudanese refugee to start a residential and commercial cleaning business. Mr. Osman approached the Microenterprise Program with his vision to start his own business venture, “ACE – American Cleaning Experts”, a home-based residential and commercial cleaning business.

With the proceeds from his loan, the proud business owner will now be able to purchase a new vehicle, start-up equipment, and supplies. The Microenterprise Program will continue to assist Mr. Osman with its many other services, ranging from web development and brochure design to consulting on insurance coverage and marketing efforts.

Mr. Osman is happy to provide you with a free estimate of one-time or regular cleanings for your home, business or office. Please see his website:

Meet Mukhtar Ahmed!

Anyone who knows Mukhtar will tell you that he is an exceptional young man. In the words of Paul Tubig, a Students Plus volunteer tutor, Mukhtar “is one of the hardest working students I know. His future looks very bright; Mukhtar’s work ethic and passion for learning will help him succeed in college and beyond.”

Mukhtar first started attending the Students Plus program four years ago. Now, a senior at Crawford High School, Mukhtar comes to the program everyday after school for three hours. Mukhtar also enjoys going on Students Plus field trips, especially to local colleges and universities. His favorite outing was to UCSD.

“I like coming to Students Plus because I can get help with my homework and the volunteer tutors are really nice and friendly.”

In addition to his school work, Mukhtar has a part time job at the San Diego Zoo and is involved in community service projects. Mukhtar says that his dream is to attend a four year university, and then go on to become a pharmacist so that he can help people.

Job Search Success!

Nur Hassan, an engineer from Somalia, arrived in San Diego in May, 2006. With very basic English, he attended IRC's week long Job Readiness Training Course where he learned about the US job search process including applications, interviews, and time cards. His Job Developer, Linda Pitzer-Donato (pictured with Nur) also helped him make a resume.

He soon found work as a Security Guard with Securitas in Mission Valley. This first job is a first step to rebuilding his life in San Diego.

Linda Pitzer-Donato has been a Job Developer for IRC San Diego for over five years helping hundreds of newly arrived refugees find their first job.

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Santino Deng Guem arrived in San Diego in 2001 as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. His first job was working at Sea World - a job he still has, and loves, today. Sea World's flexibility allows Santino to work and go to school.

In the past five years, he has graduated from Job Corps with a high school diploma and a certificate in office skills. He now attends City College with a plan to major in Political Science and Criminal Justice.

Keep up the good work, Santino!

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