Previous announcements

6

December 2024
Threads of Hope: Afghan Women’s Sewing class celebrationWe are celebrating of empowerment and achievement
11am -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 & EIN Detailed business plan including financial statements Submit detailed over all business budget Submit comprehensive budget of how the grant will be utilized

Afghan refugee, immigrant, asylee, green card holders and parolee Moved to the US after August 2021 Either start-up OR business expansion Business must be in Saint Louis City or County

Deadline:
November 30th, 2024

Application Link:
www.iistl.org/afghan-entrepreneurship-fund

27

October
2024

Gateway to a New Life DocumentaryDiscover the compelling stories of resilience, hope, and new beginnings as we showcase “Gateway to a New Life”, a powerful documentary that sheds light on the journey of refugees and immigrants finding a fresh start.
But that’s not all! After the screening, engage with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring community leaders, advocates, and those who’ve lived these journeys firsthand. It’s a chance to explore, learn, and ask questions about their experiences, challenges, and successes.
3:30International Institute

29

September
2024

Community Listening SessionMAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Join us for a listening session to discuss local issues that matter to you. Help identify the top priorities for your community and learn more about how you can make an impact. Register to vote at the event thanks to the League of Women Voters.
12:00–2:00 PMAfghan Community Center

23

September2024
Afghan women’s sewing classThe Afghan Women’s Sewing Class, beginning on September 23, provides an empowering opportunity for Afghan women to learn both basic and advanced sewing techniques. Through this program, participants will acquire the skills needed to create and sell their own products, while building a supportive community of like-minded women. Classes will be held every Monday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Afghan Community Center. To make the program more accessible for mothers, free babysitting services are available. In addition, we offer a free financial literacy class alongside the sewing course, helping participants prepare to start their own businesses once they complete the program.
10-12pmAfghan Community Center

20th

September2024
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Competition Round 4 Winners CeremonyCome support and honor the achievements of our talented Afghan entrepreneurs. The event will feature the presentation of awards, an opportunity to network with local business leaders, and refreshments.
11:45-1:45pmInternational Institute

21st

December 2023
Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Award CeremonyThe $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 community.
11am -2 Pm 3611 S Grand, Suite #105

24th

October2023
Navigating the Real Estate Market for First Time Home BuyersTo educate the immigrant community on the process of purchasing a house in the St. Louis area.  The process of buying a house is very complicated and first time buyers need a “roadmap” to know the steps in obtaining a loan, putting offers on houses, putting on offer on a house, the contracting process, obtaining insurance and inspections, and closing on property.  After the presentation, the audience will be educated on what to expect when buying a home and how the process works in this country so they can make educated decisions on buying a house.
5-7 Pm3611 S Grand, Suite #105

Business Startup SeminarNote: This is a hybrid seminar, you can join us in person or online via Google Meet by scanning the QR code.
1. Over 5 million new businesses were started in the US last year!
– Learn how easy it is to get started!
2. How to file with the government and set up bank accounts online.
3. How to set up your own commercial website and social media presence.
– Explore your business ideas at the seminar.
4. Brainstorm business ideas with each other.
5. Build your initial business model.
– Learn about the Afghan business grants.
6. St. Louis program to help new startups.
7. We can help you apply!
– The Chamber will help coach you after the seminar.
8. We can help you get set up.
9. You can do this!
5-7 Pm 3611 S Grand, Suite #105

12

October2023
Mark Wilson, CPA of Martz & Wilson to present on the ERC/COVID Employee RetOur Chairman, Gul Totakhil, has invited Mark Wilson to present on the ERC/COVID Employee Retention Tax Credit.
Learn whether your business qualifies and what to do or not do if it does.
This is the third in a series of seminars sponsored by the US Afghan Chamber of Commerce in support of Afghan businesses in St Louis.
A little about Martz and Wilson on their LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/martz-&-wilson-llp/about/
Martz & Wilson LLP. founded in 2002, is an established accounting firm in Saint Louis, MO and is a valued resource and trusted adviser. When you require technical excellence, M&W delivers. You can rely on the accuracy and consistency of our work. Our services encompass nearly every aspect of financial life. We are experienced in all matters of accounting and taxation, IRS problem resolution, estates and trusts, business formation, financial planning, real estate and business sales, and business valuation. We also have a long history in providing specialized services to not-for-profit organizations, closely held businesses, and individuals with sophisticated financial assets and complex tax issues.
Gain back precious time with a team that works well together, but also regularly delivers training and education for our clients. Increase your knowledge and efficiency as you breathe easier about the integrity of your financial reporting. Tax laws and industry regulations are unpredictable. M&W interprets the unknowns to help you plan ahead. Partners and senior management provide you with solutions for your business and personal needs. From periodic strategic planning to long-term succession and estate planning, your future gains clarity. If you are looking for a blend of personal service and expertise, please visit our website (www.mwstlcpa.com)!
5-6 Pm3611 S Grand, Suite #105

5th

October 2023
Empowering HERAbout the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant Competition:
This fund will assist refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan to start, strengthen and expand their businesses. As a grant allocated to Afghan community development, the fund is available to financially support new arrival Afghan entrepreneurs to develop businesses and create employment for new refugees, immigrants, and communities.
Eligibility:
– Afghan refugee, immigrant, asylee, green card holders and parolee
– Moved to the US after August 2021
– Business is a start-up or business expansion
– Businesses must be in St. Louis City or St. Louis County
Requirements:
– Business license, business entity & EIN
– Detailed business plan including financial statements
– Submission of detailed overall business budget
– Submission of comprehensive budget of how the grant will be ulized
Grant funding:
– $15,000 grant
– 10 grants available
– Goal is to develop Afghan businesses
– Funded by the Afghan Support Program
5-7 Pm 3611 S Grand, Suite #105

16th

August 2023
Business Startup SeminarNote: This is a hybrid seminar, you can join us in person or online via Google Meet by scanning the QR code.
1. Over 5 million new businesses were started in the US last year!
– Learn how easy it is to get started!
2. How to file with the government and set up bank accounts online.
3. How to set up your own commercial website and social media presence.
– Explore your business ideas at the seminar.
4. Brainstorm business ideas with each other.
5. Build your initial business model.
– Learn about the Afghan business grants.
6. St. Louis program to help new startups.
7. We can help you apply!
– The Chamber will help coach you after the seminar.
8. We can help you get set up.
9. You can do this!
5-7 Pm 3611 S Grand, Suite #105