The IRC in Atlanta’s innovative Microenterprise Development (MED) program provides financial coaching, lending services—including business start-up loans and credit-building loans—and training and technical assistance for refugee-owned businesses in Georgia. Since the launch of the MED program in January 2018, the IRC in Atlanta has supported refugee entrepreneurs to open 50 new businesses and worked with 59 individuals to strengthen their existing businesses.
Since its launch in 2018, the IRC in Atlanta’s MED program has helped start 50 new Georgia small businesses!
Much of the MED program’s success is made possible by Georgia community members who support these growing businesses—as volunteers, donors, interns, mentors and patrons. We know that refugees bring many skills, strengths and talents with them as they rebuild their lives in the United States and we are honored to support these entrepreneurial and resilient individuals in the pursuit of their own American dream. Please join us in supporting the two refugee-owned businesses highlighted below—Aleppo Kitchen and Kabul Market.
Aleppo Kitchen
Barwin Aibesh is the owner and chef of Aleppo Kitchen. Originally from Syria, she is a mother of five and former high school history teacher. Aleppo Kitchen makes a wide variety of Syrian food; some of the most popular items include baklava, baba ghanoush, hummus, fattair and makdous. Before COVID-19, Barwin enjoyed catering events and parties. Now, due to current social distancing measures, most of her business operates through various farmers market stalls around Atlanta. Barwin enjoys sharing food from her native country with her neighbors in her new home of Clarkston, and she hopes to one day open a restaurant and be able to serve even more people!
To experience and enjoy some of Barwin’s amazing dishes, you can contact her via Facebook or by visiting one of her regular farmers market stalls:
- Oakhurst Farmers Market | Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm
- Avondale Estates Farmers Market | Sunday 10:00am- 1:00pm
Kabul Market
Baseer Basil is the owner of Kabul Market, located in Decatur. Originally from Afghanistan, he arrived in the United States with his wife and children in 2014. In Afghanistan, Baseer was a news station journalist and businessman. Kabul Market is a grocery store that offers traditional Afghan products, freshly baked Afghan bread, fresh cuts of halal meat, accessories, and basic staples like rice. Baseer’s favorite aspect of his work is being able to provide in-demand products and meet the needs of the Afghan community in Atlanta. Kabul Market is open every day and accepts EBT. Masks must be worn in store and there is space to allow for six feet distancing between customers.
Visit Kabul Market:
- 2129 Lawrenceville Highway, Unit M, Decatur, Georgia 30033
- Open Daily from 10am – 8:30 pm
To learn more about the IRC in Atlanta's Microenterprise Development (MED) program, or to access our MED services, please contact Jennifer.Potts [at] Rescue.org.
To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Manager, Kalie Lasiter, at Kalie.Lasiter [at] Rescue.org or 678-636-8941.
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