San Diego Partner

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IRC in San Diego

Partner Since: 2006
Total Support Provided: $732,881

Current Funds Granted: $50,000

IRC San Diego’s “WE STAR” Program recognizes entrepreneurship as a viable option for low-income, immigrant, and refugee women to achieve economic mobility and lift themselves out of poverty. Many of these women face obstacles to financial stability, including a lack of : access to linguistically- and culturally-appropriate services, formal education, transportation, access to financial capital, and of familiarity with business customs and regulations in the US. With WE’s support, barriers are reduced for these women to open and operate a successful small business through training and workshops, 1:1 business counseling, business licensing assistance, access to microloans, and assistance with marketing and bookkeeping, as well as social and emotional wellness support.

The Challenge

As many as 60,000 women in San Diego County live in poverty. Many of these are refugees, immigrants and otherwise low-income women who may lack the language skills and training for traditional employment. In fact, more than 100,000 refugees have been legally resettled in San Diego, after fleeing violent conflict and repression. Most have lost all or most of their money and possessions and are often cut off from their native countries, cultures and family. Refugees face severe challenges adapting to life in the United States and achieving financial independence. Many have entrepreneurial backgrounds and have supported their families through their own business enterprises in their home countries. Many are also mothers with childcare and family responsibilities. Entrepreneurship in the U.S. provides an excellent opportunity to earn an income, and achieve economic independence.

The Program

The WE Center for STAR (Support, Training and Assistance to Refugee) Women, a partnership between the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and WE, was created in 2006 to provide a culturally sensitive setting for refugee and low-income women to receive assistance in starting or expanding a business. Services include one-on-one intensive business counseling and technical assistance, targeted group trainings and access to business loans and grants. The STAR Center is located in the multicultural community of City Heights in San Diego.

This partnership has led to 326 business starts by low-income women entrepreneurs since 2006. Women have started microenterprises in fields such as home-based childcare, catering and food service, handcrafts, jewelry and textile sales, and beauty and wellness. More women are also taking advantage of app-based income generating opportunities. These businesses are generating income and creating jobs while enabling low-income entrepreneurs to thrive.