By 2nd Brigade Combat Team 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – Fifty-five Hurriyah residents graduated from a five-day course at the Small Business Development Center in the Karadah District of Baghdad, June 17.
The five days of training focused on "How to Start or Improve a Business" and is geared toward helping local residents become constructive in their communities.
The Small Business Development Center, which opened in December 2006, began due to required financing, capacity building and training for a large proportion of the small businesses in Iraq. Since that time, more than 700 Baghdad residents have attended the course.
The graduation was a real watershed moment for a considerable number of the graduates. The training has helped to transform their thinking and improved their prospects for the future.
Qasima Habib, a mother of three, said she has a long history in the hair dressing business.
"I have been in the business of hair dressing now almost 25 years; my husband is retired, and we as a family are totally dependant on my business," Habib said. "Since 2006, I saw a downturn in business activity and revenue decreased.
"This in large part was due to the escalating violence in Hurriyah and peoples' reluctance to seek hair dressers. Since then, my business that was supporting me financially has become a burden because I have to bear the rent of the facility and the cost of keeping the place open and thought very much about selling the business and seeking employment else where."
However, when the opportunity to attend the course came about, she said she jumped at the idea of registering for courses that could improve her business and provide her with the financial means of reopening her shop.
With the security situation in Hurriyah continuously improving, Habib said she is seriously thinking about refurbishing her shop and acquiring new equipment by utilizing the loan and grant that she would receive.
"Myself and my family are grateful to the people who have provided me with the hope of revitalizing my business," Habib said.
A fellow Iraqi business owner, Wisam, a carpenter by profession, attended the training as well and expressed his need for new energy efficient equipment that could be operated using a small power generator.
He said he hopes to take his newfound wisdom into making his business thrive within the Iraqi economy.
It is hoped the training will prove highly beneficial for the people of Hurriyah and will help improve economic conditions for many in the neighborhood.
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2008 03:53 |
| Story ID: | 20828 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 479 |
| Downloads: | 427 |
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