Generous Grants Help Refugee Businesses Thrive in the U.S.

Contributing to refugee-led businesses has emerged as a key component for HIAS’ work, and for good reason: 13% of refugees are entrepreneurs, far higher than the percentage for the general U.S. population. Given that over 40% were entrepreneurs in their countries of origin, the number of refugees opening businesses here would likely be even higher were refugees not subject to systemic barriers.

HIAS Economic Advancement Fund (EAF), an emerging community development financial institution, helps refugee entrepreneurs overcome those barriers through technical assistance and training and access to capital through affordable loans. In October, the EAF collaborated with The Braun Foundation, supported by the entertainment entrepreneur Scooter Braun, to provide $54,000 in grants for refugee entrepreneurs, supporting growth and hurricane recovery for 11 separate businesses spanning multiple fields.

By partnering with the local organizations central to HIAS’ resettlement network, including Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, MI), Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services (Clearwater, FL), and Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency (Charlotte, NC), The Braun Foundation x HIAS Refugee Entrepreneur Grants initiative ensures refugees can independently and fully participate in their local economies and communities — and have the support to get back on their feet when needed.

“Entrepreneurship is more than just a livelihood for many refugees — it’s a reflection of their resilience, identity, and aspirations,” said Phillip Bailey, executive director of the HIAS EAF.

Here is a glance at six of the entrepreneurs:

Kyryl Vyhovskyi — Wave Cleaning

Established this past February, Wave Cleaning is an upholstery and carpet cleaning company in Charlotte, North Carolina. The grant will help Vyhovskyi invest in additional cleaning equipment, allowing him to provide more services to his customers. He also plans to invest in expanded advertisements to grow his customer base. “We deeply appreciate this financial support, as it plays a crucial role in helping us grow our business, establish a strong presence in the U.S. market, and thrive in this new environment,” he said.

Marina Didenko – Marina Didenko Consulting Solutions

Didenko, originally from Ukraine, is the owner and CEO of a business that provides information and resources for Ukrainian refugees and immigrants in the United States. She teaches clients how to achieve economic self-sufficiency and helps other businesses hire refugees for open positions. Didenko used the grant to invest in AI applications to create and scale content more efficiently and effectively, thus allowing her business to grow. “I am grateful for every cent given to my company and am confident that it will bring happiness to so many Ukrainian families,” she said.

Jhonathan Narvaez Cardona — JC Furniture Designs

A Colombia native who arrived as a refugee in the United States in 2017, Cardona opened a home-based wood crafting business in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2021. This year, he opened a second business in maintenance and repair operations. A single father, operating two businesses has presented Cardona with numerous challenges that were exacerbated by two major hurricanes striking the region.

“The grant provided me with an immediate financial cushion to support continuous growth and assisted my firm in maintaining full compliancy with government contracts that could have otherwise been threatened,” he said. “It also enabled me to pay off several credit card debts and lower my monthly payments, increasing my capacity to do more business.”

Liudmyla Nikohosian — Nails by Mila

Nikohosian is the owner and manager of Nails by Mila, a Ukrainian-style nail salon that specializes in intensive nail care and professional manicure and pedicure services. A lawyer by training, she began work as a nail technician in Clearwater, Florida, in 2022, before opening her own salon this past May. Upon opening her business, she realized that the previous tenant had removed the water heater, forcing her to purchase her own at significant expense. The Braun Foundation and a loan from HIAS EAF allowed her to cover basic expenses during the initial months of her business.

“I was able to make upgrades to my salon and create a more welcoming and efficient environment for my clients,” she said. “These improvements are steps toward my dream of expanding the salon and hiring additional staff.”

Ricxia Valbuena — Carga Skyhaul

Valbuena lived in Ecuador before being resettled in the United States. Her delivery business was thriving until Hurricanes Milton and Helene destroyed her car, flooded her home, and damaged the roads between her business and customers. The grant she received allowed her to stabilize her business and plan its full recovery.

“I am incredibly grateful for the funders for providing resources that people like me need to keep pushing forward,” she said. “Their support is more than just financial – it empowers us to rebuild not just our businesses, but our lives.”

Muayad Shakir — Galaxy Barber Company & Eclipse Salon

Born and raised in Iraq, Shakir came to the United States in 2014. He opened the Galaxy Barber Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2021 and a new salon, Eclipse, in 2024. He eventually hopes to establish a franchise. “It means so much for me to receive these funds,” he said. “It’ll help me buy products and grow my business.”