SOMALI INDEPENDENT
BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Empowering Entrepreneurs Globally and Locally: SIBA fosters Business Success for Refugees and Immigrants

SOMALI INDEPENDENT
BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Empowering Entrepreneurs Globally and Locally: SIBA fosters Business Success for Refugees and Immigrants

OUR MISSION
Our mission is to support refugees and immigrants in Washington by helping them gain knowledge and training to build their businesses

OUR VISION
Our vision is to help business owners learn the skills and talents they need to build successful businesses

Guided by dedicated leadership, we champion the success of small businesses and inspire thriving communities.

About Us 

SIBA is a non-profit organization that supports refugees and immigrants in Washington and beyond. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams, regardless of their background. That's why we provide refugees and immigrants with the knowledge, training, and resources they need to build successful businesses.
We are committed to helping refugees and immigrants build successful businesses that contribute to the economic prosperity of our community. We believe that by empowering these communities, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Who is a Refugee?

According to the UNHCR, refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home country due to persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order. They are entitled to international protection, as defined in the 1951 Convention and regional refugee instruments, as well as UNHCR’s Statute.

Who is an Immigrant?

As per the UN Migration Agency, i.e., the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a migrant is someone who has moved or is moving to a new place, either within their own country or to another country. This movement can be voluntary or involuntary, and for a variety of reasons, regardless of the migrant's legal status or how long they plan to stay.

Incentive form signing

SIBA organized a meeting where local truck drivers who were interested in  moving to Electric trucks gathered. Collaborating closely with the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest and the City of Seattle's Heavy Duty Truck Electrification Program,  SIBA provided essential technical support and guidance to ensure a smooth and successful signing process.

23rd Annual African Day Business Forum and Dinner
 

SIBA and ACCPNW are inviting you to join us for the 23rd Annual African Day Business Forum and Dinner which will be held at the Motif Hotel. Come learn about how we can build bridges for businesses and connect Africa to the Pacific Northwest.

Celebration of Life

We have lost two very important people in or community. Join us as we celebrate the lives of two cherished community supporters, Yemane Gebramikel and Abdullahi Diriye Jama, whose enduring legacies continue to inspire us. This celebration will be held alongside the 23rd African day at 6pm. All are welcome.

SIBA in collaboration with the Somali Childcare Providers Association (SCPA) and ACCPNW held a meeting to further expand entrepreneurs knowledge of business basics. This workshop further delved into utilizing technology, building your network and more. Certificates were awarded at the end of these business basics workshops.

On March 23, 2024, SIBA and ACCPNW held a Small Business Loan Readiness workshop to discuss loan readiness for entrepreneurs and their small businesses. This discussion also delved into credit score and the secret to becoming a successful business owner in America.

This workshop was held to further expound on loan readiness. Mr. Peter Gishuru provided his insights on becoming a successful business owner in America and Phon Sivongxay shared her professional knowledge on the good and bad powers of credit score.

Past Events

SIBA in collaboration with the Somali Childcare Providers Association (SCPA) and ACCPNW held a meeting to further expand entrepreneurs knowledge of business basics. This workshop further delved into utilizing technology, building your network and more. Certificates were awarded at the end of these business basics workshops.

On March 23, 2024, SIBA and ACCPNW held a Small Business Loan Readiness workshop to discuss loan readiness for entrepreneurs and their small businesses. This discussion also delved into credit score and the secret to becoming a successful business owner in America.

This workshop was held to further expound on loan readiness. Mr. Peter Gishuru provided his insights on becoming a successful business owner in America and Phon Sivongxay shared her professional knowledge on the good and bad powers of credit score.

17 businesses joined this workshop to learn how to create successful businesses for themselves. They also gained and expanded their knowledge on credit and credit score and how this concerns themselves and their businesses.

Self-Employment vs Small Business

SIBA and ACCPNW held a meeting to discuss resources for self-employment and small businesses, including grants, UBI, EIN, and UEI numbers. The meeting also emphasized the importance of understanding the grant application process and writing clear and well-explained grant proposals.

Presenting Your Business

On June 5, 2023, SIBA and ACCPNW held a Zoom meeting to discuss the upcoming in-person meeting on June 10th, where participants would present their businesses or business ideas. Guidelines were provided for the presentations, and it was mentioned that potential investors may be in attendance.

Trucking for a Sustainable Future

This meeting was held to discuss ways to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, including fuel-efficient driving, truck maintenance, eco-driving, using the right fuel, reducing idling, recycling, and incentives.

Who is a Refugee?

According to the UNHCR, refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home country due to persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order. They are entitled to international protection, as defined in the 1951 Convention and regional refugee instruments, as well as UNHCR’s Statute.

Who is an Immigrant?

As per the UN Migration Agency, i.e., the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a migrant is someone who has moved or is moving to a new place, either within their own country or to another country. This movement can be voluntary or involuntary, and for a variety of reasons, regardless of the migrant's legal status or how long they plan to stay.

Events Calendar

May 25, 2023

Funding Somalia's Small Businesses SIBA held a meeting to discuss strategies for businesses to enter the US market and sell their goods. The meeting also explored opportunities provided by upcoming international business conferences in Somalia and Kenya.

May 28, 2023

Self-Employment vs Small Business

SIBA and ACCPNW held a meeting to discuss resources for self-employment and small businesses, including grants, UBI, EIN, and UEI numbers. The meeting also emphasized the importance of understanding the grant application process and writing clear and well-explained grant proposals.

June 5, 2023

Presenting Your Business

On June 5, 2023, SIBA and ACCPNW held a Zoom meeting to discuss the upcoming in-person meeting on June 10th, where participants would present their businesses or business ideas. Guidelines were provided for the presentations, and it was mentioned that potential investors may be in attendance.

August 27, 2023

Trucking for a Sustainable Future

This meeting was held to discuss ways to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, including fuel-efficient driving, truck maintenance, eco-driving, using the right fuel, reducing idling, recycling, and incentives..

Welcome from our President

Nafiso Samatar

Welcome to the Somali Independent Business Alliance (SIBA)! As the President of SIBA, I am honored to extend a warm welcome to you. At SIBA, we are committed to empowering refugees and immigrants in Washington by equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive as entrepreneurs. Together, we aspire to build vibrant communities and a stronger local economy. I invite you to explore our programs, get involved, and join us in this inspiring journey of entrepreneurship and growth. Thank you for being a part of the SIBA family.