Each February, Black History Month honors and commemorates the invaluable contributions of Black and African American individuals and communities to the rich tapestry of American history.
This year, we’re highlighting four Black entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses.
What is the IRC Community Browser Pilot Program?
KPIs Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) has served nearly 3,000 diverse business owners since 2021. We have partnered with more than 20 community partners with a particular focus on supporting refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs as they recover from the impacts of the COVID pandemic -19. The CNPP program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The IRC’s CNPP services include consulting, one-on-one technical assistance and have helped small business owners access more than $16 million in small business assistance. Additionally, the program connects business owners with resources and opportunities to grow their business, access to loans and grants, marketing support and networking events.
CNPP’s goal is to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges unique to refugee and immigrant communities, including language barriers, lack of access to traditional financial institutions, and limited knowledge of local laws and regulations.
Beyond the CNPP program, the IRC offers a range of economic empowerment programs across the United States, including financial coaching, small business development, workforce development, and free preparation services tax returns.
Meet Nimota: Royal Nigerian Foods, LLC
After immigrating to the United States from Nigeria, Nimota Salami Dairo began a career as a certified nursing assistant and physical therapist assistant. She chose to shift her career path, pursuing her passion for the culinary arts, inspired by a close friend who secured a grant to produce and distribute food amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nimota began publicly testing the West African-style sauce recipes she had been making at home for years. She eventually started her own business, Authentic African Kitchen, which became popular among Chicago’s West African community.
However, Nimota was forced to restart her business from scratch after moving to Atlanta.
Nimota is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her dream of working in the culinary field.
How has the IRC helped you?
In Atlanta, Nimota connected with the IRC’s CNPP. Alongside his navigator, Nimota re-established his business as Royal Nigerian Foods. Nimota and her navigator then explored the benefits of growing her business and decided to apply for a loan, with the support of IRC’s financial coaching services.
Nimota is seeking a microcredit from the IRC’s banking subsidiary, the Center for Economic Opportunityto finance the initial production phase of its Obe Ata sauce.
“My experience working with the IRC has been phenomenal. My community browser has I was very patient and thorough, which helped put my mind at ease,” Nimota said. “He helped I get what I deserve and take my business to the next level. He guided me through get my license, market and purchase ingredients from grocery stores.
Follow Royal Nigerian Foods on Instagram.
Meet Prince: Huruma Clothing Co.
Prince, a Ugandan refugee, found a new home in San Diego in 2010 with help from the IRC. Embracing his new start in California, Prince was determined to make a difference. He founded a charity dedicated to supporting children in Ugandan refugee camps, where he once lived.
Recognizing the potential to make a positive and lasting impact by providing training and employment, particularly to single mothers, he founded Huruma Clothing Co. in 2019 with his business partner, John Bernard.
Huruma Clothing Co. is a small, socially responsible business that sells imported clothing made by refugee women in Uganda. Huruma offers a range of stylish products, including jackets, hats, bags and shirts, that embody the vibrant cultural heritage of African textiles.
Initially, Prince and his business partner sold Huruma clothing products exclusively at farmers’ markets and pop-ups in San Diego. With the support of the IRC, they gradually expanded their customer base and now operate an online store.
Prince (right) meets tailors from Huruma Clothing Co. during a trip back to his native Uganda. The word “Huruma” means “compassion and sympathy” in the Swahili language.
How has the IRC helped you?
Prince Shamamba was resettled in San Diego with support from the IRC in 2010. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prince contacted the IRC for business support and was enrolled in the CNPP.
With the support of his browser, Prince improved Huruma Clothing Co.’s digital presence and applied for COVID-19 related business grants.
He also worked with his browser to apply for and receive two $8,000 SBA-guaranteed microloans from the IRC. Center for Economic Opportunity in 2022 and 2023. Prince used the funds to acquire additional inventory and expand the scope of his business.
“I am grateful for the help of IRC San Diego, the team that made my dream a reality,” Prince said.
Prince hopes to expand Huruma Clothing Co. to lead retail markets in the United States and beyond, strengthening its position as a leader in ethical entrepreneurship.
Meet Olayinka: Ayo Collections
Olayinka Ola founded Ayo Collections over seven years ago. Since then, the couture clothing brand has increased its presence in several boutiques, presenting its creations during a fashion show. Olayinka’s talents even earned her the honor of being recognized as a featured designer at New York Fashion Week.
The Ayo collections – Ayo meaning “Joy” in Olayinka’s native Yoruba language – offer a wide range of pieces, from evening wear to ready-to-wear styles, all featuring vibrant colors and mixed African motif prints to classic Western silhouettes.
Olayinka is actively growing her business by establishing wholesale partnerships with current boutiques and strengthening her presence in Seattle’s growing fashion community. Her ultimate aspiration is to launch an independent Ayo Collections store in the future.
Olayinka was one of the featured designers at New York Fashion Week 2024.
How has the IRC helped you?
Olayinka contacted the IRC Seattle office when she was looking for additional working capital to expand her clothing inventory and host a local fashion show. With the advice of his business advisor, Olayinka was able to obtain two loans totaling $20,000 with 0% interest.
Upon meeting with her business advisor, Olayinka discovered that she was paying excessively high interest on her car loan. Therefore, she applied for and successfully received an auto financing loan, which allowed her to cut her monthly car payment in half.
Olayinka’s advisor also helped her apply for a featured space through the Seattle Restored revitalization program. Olayinka was accepted into the program, paving the way for Ayo Designs to be featured in storefronts throughout downtown Seattle.
“It’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself.” It has helped me reduce my monthly payments and that is a blessing. Now I can use these funds to pay for other expenses,” says Olayinka.
Follow Ayo Collections on Instagram.
Meet Jawaher: Jawaher Designs
Jawaher, originally from Sudan and raised in Libya, leveraged her African and Middle Eastern cultural roots by moving to the United States in 2012. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in fondant Jawaher Designs.
Jawaher introduces clients to the art of henna, an ancient tradition that uses natural plant products to leave temporary stains on the skin. Her business brings henna art to community and private events in the Salt Lake City area.
“When I teach others about my art and culture, I feel like I’m bridging a gap,” Jawaher says.
How has the IRC helped you?
Like most small businesses in the United States, Jawaher Designs has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Jawaher connected with an IRC community browser and meticulously crafted a marketing strategy that played a pivotal role in expanding her customer base.
Jawaher Designs continued its collaboration with the IRC, launching a new range of products at an IRC pop-up event and hosting a henna workshop as part of the New American workshop series in Salt Lake City.
Jawaher expanded his company’s visibility by launching a new website and participating in a public exhibition showcasing his creations. refugee and new American artists and entrepreneurs.
