Reprinted from Life Stream.

By Annie Nguyen. Research assistance by Jaehee Park

Silver Spring, MD, October 1 – Have you ever wanted to be your own boss, run your own business, decide your own future? If you’re a refugee living in the greater DC metropolitan area (which includes much of Virginia and Maryland) and want to achieve those goals, Boat People SOS wants to talk with you about our Road to Independence through Savings and Education (RISE) program, through which you can secure up to $10,000 in loans to start your own business!

The RISE microenterprise program recognizes that most refugees come to the United States with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and need ways to provide for themselves and their families. Having little does not mean that they are incapable, however. Many refugees have had some previous business experience, and can transfer those skills to running small businesses here. Additionally, refugees often have the determination and ingenuity to make a small business venture successful.