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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant is now open 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]