By Tahera Rahmani on

The stories of Afghan women micro business and some resources you may want to know

From Kabul to Philadelphia, Somaya, Shabnam, and Shazia arrived with hope, courage, and a passion for cooking. Despite limited resources and unfamiliar surroundings, they transformed their kitchens into entrepreneurial launchpads—supporting their families and inspiring others in the community.

Stories By Afghan Community
The stories of Afghan women micro business and some resources you may want to know
Afghan food prepared to be served in a community event. Photo by: Sadaf Sada

Author: Sadaf Sadat

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This article is part of a series of stories created by members of the Afghan community, written both about and for the community. The authors received training in writing, interviewing, and photography from the Philly-Afghan Info Hub and developed this project over six weeks. The series was edited by Tahera Rahmani. You can read the full collection of stories here.

In Philadelphia’s vibrant Afghan refugee community, three women — Somaya Hussaini, Shanbam Nawazi, and Shazia Naeemi — are proving that resilience and creativity can turn kitchens into launchpads for new beginnings. Through their passion for cooking and entrepreneurship, they are not only supporting their families but also inspiring others in their community to rebuild and thrive.

From Sar-e-Pol to Sweet Success: Somaya Hussaini’s Journey

Somaya, 35, fled Afghanistan with her family in 2021 after the Taliban takeover. After a stop in France, where her passion for cooking deepened, she settled in Philadelphia and began taking food orders from her home kitchen. With encouragement from her husband and help from social media and her local mosque, she now prepares French pastries and Afghan dishes for a growing clientele — dreaming of someday opening a restaurant chain.

A Spark of Initiative: Shanbam Nawazi’s Start

At just 23, Shabnam arrived in the U.S. in 2021 with a clear vision for her future. Despite little encouragement, she trusted her instincts and started small, learning quickly how to manage and promote her culinary business through WhatsApp and social media. Spending a couple of hours daily on her work, Shanbam’s story is a testament to the power of self-belief and taking the first step.

From Kabul to the Kitchen: Shazia Naeemi’s Resilience

Shazia came to the U.S. in 2024 through her husband’s refugee case. Confronted with high living costs, she turned to cooking as a way to support her family. Despite early challenges such as limited funds and equipment, Shazia’s dedication and her husband’s support helped her build a growing home-based food business. Her dream is to open a restaurant serving Afghan and diverse cuisines.

Addressing Barriers and Finding Support

While their stories are inspiring, many refugee and immigrant women face significant barriers — limited capital, language hurdles, and lack of business knowledge — that can make entrepreneurship difficult. The good news? Philadelphia and national organizations offer vital resources tailored to help entrepreneurs like Somaya, Shanbam, and Shazia succeed.

1. Access to Microloans and Grants

Starting or expanding a business often requires funding. Programs like the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer microloans with low-interest rates, designed especially for small startups. Local organizations such as the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC) provide micro-loans and grants, even to immigrant entrepreneurs, helping turn ideas into reality.

2. Business Training and Mentorship

Business mentorship can be invaluable. SCORE Philadelphia offers free mentoring, workshops, and guidance on business planning, marketing, and financial management. Temple University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides personalized one-on-one business assistance to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges.

3. Language and Digital Skills Classes

Language barriers and digital literacy can hinder growth. Community centers like The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians offer immigrant entrepreneurship training including English and digital skills classes, equipping entrepreneurs to better connect with customers and manage their businesses.

4. Networking and Community Support

Connecting with other business owners through immigrant-focused networks and groups like the Philadelphia Women’s Business Network builds support, opens collaboration opportunities, and can expand customer bases — vital for sustainable growth.

5. Starting Small and Growing Steadily

Many successful businesses start at home and expand gradually. Social media and messaging apps such as WhatsApp provide affordable, effective platforms for marketing and customer engagement, as these women have demonstrated.

Additional Resources

The following resources are provided by the Philly-Afghan Info Hub for anyone looking for support with entrepreneurship training, small business support, business loans and even some marketing support:

Local Philly-Based Resources:

National Resources in Dari/Pashto-Friendly Contexts: