Hias Economic Advancement Fund

Eaf provides microenterprise loans and technical assistance to refugees; these loan products are designed for entrepreneurs who are just starting out in business or for those with established businesses that are looking to stabilize operations and expand. To do this efficiently, eaf works alongside Hias resettlement partners that have a local presence to help refugees resettle and integrate into their new communities. Eaf partners provide refugees with business technical assistance, financial and credit education and assistance accessing capital through eaf to launch or grow their businesses. These loans are tailored to refugee entrepreneurs who are low-income, have little or no credit history, are unable to access credit from mainstream financial institutions, or are precluded from paying (continued on schedule o) interest because of religious beliefs. Eaf currently supports refugee entrepreneurs in 14 cities in the eastern u.s. with loans averaging $11,000. These entrepreneurs are supported by their local partner office throughout their experience with eaf with on-site and remote assistance to provide the greatest likelihood of success in their businesses.