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Business and Economic News
Sarah Thamer

Immigrant entrepreneurs share journeys and advice at resource fair

A woman poses for a portrait
Fathia Salah attended the small business resource fair for immigrants on Friday at the International Institute of Minnesota in St. Paul.
Sarah Thamer | MPR News

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The International Institute of Minnesota hosted a resource fair Friday for immigrant entrepreneurs who are just starting out or already running a business. 

The free event featured a variety of activities, including an immigrant entrepreneur panel with business owners who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, including navigating challenges like language barriers and access to capital. 

One of the panelists included the owner of Afro Deli, Abdirahman Kahin, who spoke about his own experiences as an entrepreneur.  

“As an entrepreneur, you have to be motivated. You have to seek information. So those who are active will find resources,” Kahin said. 

The resource fair also included breakout sessions focusing on topics like business taxes, securing loans and commercial leasing.

The sessions were led by experts from organizations such as Prepare + Prosper, MEDA, and Coldwell Banker.

Senior Director of Workforce Development at the International Institute of Minnesota J.P. Holwerda said the organization serves more than 4,500 new Americans every year. 

“The inspiration for this event was really just our clients telling us they want to know what resources are out there,” Holwerda said. 

Mohamed Abdinur is a business pathway instructor at the International Institute of Minnesota who moderated the panel at the resource fair. Abdinur said one of the biggest obstacles immigrant entrepreneurs face is not having access to resources. 

“That’s why we are inviting the panelists who are immigrants, whether they establish a media company or restaurant or flooring and construction company, we want them to know that if you try and if you try hard, you can learn and you can get the resources that you need,” Abdinur said.

Fathia Salah was one of at least a couple of dozen people who attended the resource fair. The entrepreneur from Ethiopia is starting a cleaning business and said she attended the resource fair to connect with and learn from other business owners.

“I met a few people who are already professionals, already established. They have a great story. So that helps me network with them, to help me with my next move,” Salah said. 

People are encouraged to visit the International Institute of Minnesota’s website to learn about resources.