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HIAS EAF client Jacqueline Imani displays homemade clothing and accessories inspired by Congolese fashion and sold by Imani Handmade Crafts. | HIAS Economic Advancement Fund

We help refugee entrepreneurs achieve their business goals.

Who We Are

We meet refugee entrepreneurs where they are, increasing their capacity to start or grow their business and advance their goals.

HIAS Economic Advancement Fund (EAF)
is a nonprofit organization and emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Loan Fund that provides refugees and other forcibly displaced entrepreneurs access to capital so they can launch and grow their businesses. Through affiliate partners in twelve metro areas, we also provide business technical assistance and training that responds to the unique needs of each entrepreneur.

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EAF client Hasna Marza prepares a tray of Syrian cookies for her bakery, Pretty Petite Cookies. (Amanda Mae Photography for JFS of Washtenaw County)

What We Do

Through business ownership, refugees work toward financial independence so they can provide for themselves and their families and contribute to their local economies and communities.

Using a mix of in-person and virtual services, EAF and our partners help refugee entrepreneurs to increase their capacity to start or grow their business. These services include business technical assistance and training, access to capital through affordable loans, financial and credit education, and facilitating market opportunities for their businesses.

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EAF client Luz Lopez Cordoba creates beaded accessories for her business, Luz Handmade Jewelry. (Amanda Mae Photography for JFS of Washtenaw County)

Client Stories

Leslie Castillo started her business, Flowers Castles, with assistance from EAF and partner Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. (Amanda Mae Photography for JFS of Washtenaw County)

Leslie Castillo: Flowers Castles

"I can say today that I have a stable, dignified life in the U.S., and I have a beautiful life with my family. We’re really, really grateful.”

Zied Ben Taleb poses with children riding in the remote control cars available at his business, Fun Florida ZBT, LLC. Ben Taleb was able to start this business with support from EAF and our partner, Gulf Coast JFCS. (Courtesy of Gulf Coast JFCS)

Fun Florida ZBT: Zied Ben Taleb

“The loan has been so helpful, but it’s way more than the loan alone. You can get support at every step.”

Petro Heinovych, who worked with EAF and our partner CRRA to get his car detailing business up and running, stands outside his workshop. (Courtesy of Petro Heinovych)

Petro Heinovych: Life in Detail

"Your help helped me acquire additional tools that allowed me to expand the range of my services and make my earnings more highly paid in the future."

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