The IRC gives refugees in the San Diego area the tools they need to establish their own small businesses.  Since its launch in 2000, the IRC’s microenterprise program has helped start more than 100 businesses and expand 70 more, disbursing almost one-half million dollars in business financing.

Resettled refugee entrepreneurs face some unique challenges. They are unfamiliar with U.S. business customs and language, lack assets and collateral, and have no credit history.  We provide small-business training, start-up grants and loans, and comprehensive technical support. In turn, refugee-owned businesses benefit San Diego by increasing employment and family incomes.

Working with community partners such as ACCIÓN, San Diego National Bank, Trickle Up USA and Women’s Empowerment International, the IRC not only assists refugees in starting businesses, but also helps lay the foundation for future economic development in San Diego.

Our experienced small business development staff speaks nine languages and provides the following services:

• Comprehensive technical assistance, including free access to outside consultants as needed
• Start-up loans from the program’s internal loan fund, including Reba-free (interest free) loans
• Professional graphic, logo and web design
• Access to further financing through partner organizations
• Business plan development
• Small business grants courtesy of Trickle Up USA
• Accounting and bookkeeping assistance
• Business marketing

For more information, please contact Ralph Achenbach at ralph.achenbach@theIRC.org or 619 641-7510, ext. 247.