IRC Tucson's Economic Development Program empowers refugees to build assets in order to obtain long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency. Program compenents include:

Small Business Development
IRC Tucson provides participants – refugees and non-refugees alike - with training, technical assistance and access to capital to start, strengthen, and expand small businesses. We often work with clients who are unfamiliar with U.S. business customs, lack assets and collateral, or have no credit history. These businesses contribute to Tucson’s local economy by increasing employment opportunities and expanding family incomes.

Financial Literacy
To become self-sufficient, refugees need to learn sound money management skills and how to use credit judiciously. IRC Tucson’s financial literacy program familiarizes them with U.S. banking and credit systems, helps them use their savings and credit to build assets and works with them to file taxes. We offer classroom training, one-on-one counseling and opportunities to build a credit history.  We also work with banks to connect refugees with safe, low-cost financial services.  We help refugees open bank accounts, increase savings, pay down debt and build sound credit.