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Our latest Afghan Journal is Now Available
Our latest journal, issue 36 for April, is live and ready for you! Dive in and explore meaningful stories that celebrate your success. Share your journey and inspire others with the amazing stories and businesses you’re pursuing. Remember, sharing isn’t just about spreading the word; it’s about fostering connections and building a vibrant community together!
$20,000 Grant Opportunity for Afghan Nationals in the U.S.!
Are you an Afghan living in the United States with a dream to start or grow your own business? This is your chance! A $20,000 entrepreneurship grant is available in St. Louis to support Afghan entrepreneurs ready to turn their ideas into reality. ✅ Who is eligible?Afghanistan nationals currently living in the U.S., and if you’re willing to relocate to […]
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Application Round 11
Deadline: April 15, 2026 The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant supports eligible Afghan entrepreneurs in St. Louis who arrived in the U.S. after August 2021 and are starting or growing small businesses. Applicants must have a valid business license or LLC, EIN, and financial statement. Eligibility: Application Requirements: Use this QR code to open the application.
From Idea to Reality, Afghan Entrepreneurs Shine in St. Louis
The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant, administered by the International Institute of St. Louis, is a transformative program designed to empower Afghan immigrants in the St. Louis area to pursue their business ambitions. The grant provides financial support, mentorship, and resources to Afghan entrepreneurs who are eager to establish or expand businesses, allowing them to transform their ideas into viable enterprises. By […]
Zyvara & Co.: Weaving Afghan Heritage into Modern Life
In a quiet corner of St. Louis, something beautiful is taking shape, a small but powerful movement to keep Afghan culture alive through the art of jewelry. Zyvara & Co., founded by Sodaba Barnayar, is more than a brand; it’s a bridge between heritage and modern expression. The idea was born from a simple question: “Why should our culture only […]
Afghan Entrepreneurs Building Strong Businesses in St. Louis
St. Louis is home to many talented Afghan entrepreneurs who are working hard to build successful businesses. These business owners are not only skilled professionals, but they also care deeply about their community. They offer high-quality services and products with honesty, creativity, and passion. These businesses were chosen as winners of the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant, a special program supported by […]
Stability and Opportunity in St. Louis: The Main Reason Behind Haidar Ali Akbari’s Relocation
When I reflect on my life before 2021, I remember stability, purpose, and hope for the future. I worked at Rahnaward University in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province, a vibrant financial hub in northern Afghanistan, serving in the Student Affairs Department. Prior to that, I had the privilege of working with the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), contributing to the vision of […]
Statement on the Tragic Shooting in Washington, D.C. and Continued Support for Evacuated Afghan Allies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE US Afghan Chamber of Commerce St. Louis, MO — November 27, 2025 The US Afghan Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic shooting that occurred in Washington, D.C. Our thoughts are with the Guardsmen, their families, and all those affected. No one, least of all men and women actively serving their country, should […]
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis Elects New Board Members
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis reached a new milestone on August 28, 2025, when it held an important board meeting at the Afghan Community Center to elect its new leadership team. The event was marked by strong community participation, with more than 20 people many of them previous leaders and active members of the community coming together […]
An Afghan Entrepreneur Helps Rebuild St. Louis After the May Storms
In May, St. Louis, Missouri, was hit by a powerful storm with heavy rain, strong winds, and even a confirmed tornado. It caused a lot of damage to the city. Sadly, at least five people died, and 38 others were injured. Around 5,000 buildings were damaged, and tens of thousands of residents lost electricity. The storm also brought down many […]
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis Elects New Board Members
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis reached a new milestone on August 28, 2025, when it held an important board meeting at the Afghan Community Center to elect its new leadership team. The event was marked by strong community participation, with more than 20 people many of them previous leaders and active members of the community coming together […]
Best Books for Your Child at the Public Library
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn, and public libraries offer many wonderful books to help children grow into strong readers. Starting early is the key. Experts say that reading aloud to babies, even in their first months, can build the foundation for future success. Many libraries also provide “Lit Kits” — sets that include […]
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Application Round 9
The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant is now closed Deadline: October 26, 2025 The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant supports eligible Afghan entrepreneurs in St. Louis who arrived in the U.S. after August 2021 and are starting or growing small businesses. Applicants must have a valid business license or LLC, EIN, and financial statement. Eligibility: Application Requirements: For any questions or additional information about […]
What Do Public Libraries Offer? Exploring the Many Free Services at Your Local Library
Public libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They are welcoming community centers that offer many free services to help people of all ages. If English is your second language, you will find that libraries are great places to learn, connect, and grow. Here are some of the helpful things public libraries offer. Many libraries offer job search […]
What Your Parents Wish You Knew!
Your parents might not speak English perfectly or know every new trend. They may not always understand how things work here like you do. But what they do have is something priceless, their love, their hard work, and their experience. They’ve made many sacrifices to give you a chance at a better life.
Facts about Housing in St. Louis you Might not Know
Facts about Housing in St. Louis you Might not Know Afghan Support Program attempts to assist Afghan families willing to relocate to St. Louis. But how? The International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) helps find housing for new arrivals. Here we explore the process more deeply. Basically, there are two main sources for finding houses. IISTL has expanded its network […]
New Paths, Big Dreams: Meet Winners of the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant
New Paths, Big Dreams: Meet Winners of the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant For many Afghan newcomers, starting over in the United States has meant learning a new language, navigating new systems, and rebuilding careers from scratch. Yet amid these challenges, Afghan entrepreneurs in St. Louis are proving that dreams can not only survive but thrive – even far from home. Two […]
Starting a Business in St. Louis: The Journey of Zahra Mosawi, Afghan Woman Entrepreneur
Starting a Business in St. Louis: The Journey of Zahra Mosawi, Afghan Woman Entrepreneur When Zahra Mosawi arrived in St. Louis, she carried more than just suitcases. She carried dreams—dreams of building a new life, contributing to her community, and carving out her own path as a businesswoman. Like many newcomers, Zahra faced uncertainty and the challenge of figuring out […]
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant – Round 8 Now Open
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant – Round 8 Now Open The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant is here to support eligible Afghan entrepreneurs in St. Louis who arrived in the U.S. after August 2021. This grant is designed to help you start or grow your small business. To qualify, you must have: Take the next step toward building your business—apply today! Application link: Afghan […]
Afghan Support Program Country Tour
As the sun rises on August 17th, 2023, a new chapter of hope and opportunity begins for the Afghan diaspora in America. Moji Sidiqi, the visionary Afghan Community Development Program Manager, and Hamdullah Hamdard, the dynamic Afghan Support Communications Manager, kickstart a monumental journey that spans across some of the most vibrant Afghan-populated cities in the United States. Their mission: […]
ASP Coding Classes
In the bustling heart of St. Louis, a group of ambitious immigrants is carving out new paths for themselves, all thanks to the transformative power of coding. These individuals, fresh faces in the city, have found a promising future after graduating from a developer boot camp at Claim Academy. What paved the way for their success? It’s the innovative scholarship […]
Free Financial Literacy class
Free Financial Literacy class We offer a free financial literacy class alongside the women’s sewing class, preparing them to start their own business once they complete the program. We offer a free financial literacy class alongside the women’s sewing class, preparing them to start their own business once they complete the program.
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Competition – R5
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Competition – R5 Award Ceremony The Afghan Grant Competition round 5, held at the International Institute, recognized exceptional Afghan entrepreneurs, with one notable winner being Amin Amarkhill, the founder of Handy-Fix LLC. Amin arrived in the USA on March 15, 2023, with a vision to create a meaningful business. Just a year later, in March 2024, he […]
Award Ceremony Announcement
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Round Five Award Ceremony The $15,000 grant, part of the Afghan Community Entrepreneurship Grant, aims to support refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan in initiating, strengthening, and expanding their businesses. This financial boost will enable newly arrived Afghan entrepreneurs to contribute to the local economy, fostering business development and generating employment opportunities for refugees, immigrants, and the broader […]
Previous announcements
6 December 2024Threads of Hope: Afghan Women’s Sewing class celebrationWe are celebrating of empowerment and achievement11am -2 Pm International Institute 15 November2024 Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Competition- final RoundApply now for the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant in St. Louis and be one of the first Afghan women entrepreneurs to receive a $30,000 grant for your business dreams! Requirements:Business license, Business entity & […]
EMPOWERING DREAMS: AFGHAN SUPPORT PROGRAM’S JOURNEY TO DMV AREA
In December 2023, Moji Sidiqi and Hamdullah Hamdard embarked on a special mission in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area as part of the Afghan Support Program. Their goal was clear: to bring hope and opportunities to Afghan newcomers, especially those who arrived in the U.S. after August 2021. This trip wasn’t merely about getting by; it was about […]
Afghan Support Program Tours the Nation in Hopes of Drawing Refugees to St. Louis
ST. LOUIS — To bring more Afghan refugees to the region, Afghan Support Program officials have been traveling to cities around the U.S. to educate refugees and immigrants about St. Louis in hopes of them moving. Read more on Spectrum News