Micro Enterprise Program

Micro Enterprise Program

The Afghan Coalition is dedicated to helping immigrant and refugee individuals create economic opportunities for themselves and their families. Since 2007, the Afghan Coalition’s micro enterprise program has offered training in handicrafts, business training and English classes to Afghan community members and other refugees who have been under-served by the existing entrepreneurship training programs.

Many Afghan immigrants and refugees often lack the certifications, licenses or language skills required to find jobs for which they may be qualified in the United States. Therefore, micro-enterprise training in conjunction with English classes (also offered by the Afghan Coalition) and other supports offer Afghan women a viable means for developing self sufficiency. Developing an income source based on their individual talents and experience gives them the chance to build an income and find fulfillment that is rarely possible with the few options available for low-wage employment.

Through the Micro-enterprise Program the Afghan Coalition Offers the Following Classes:

  • English Classes for Men and Women

  • Collaborative enrollment with other agencies into Business Literacy Classes

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  • Handicrafts

  • Certifications needed for Food-based businesses

Community Kitchen

The Afghan Coalition Community Kitchen has been a key component of the City of Fremont-funded Microenterprise Program. It has been a staple in the community since 2012 offering a place for community members to host events and food sales showcasing signature Afghan food items that they have produced.


During Covid-19, the Community Kitchen became a food bank for those in need and distributed food boxes on a weekly basis benefiting hundreds of families. It also operated as an off-site office helping clients to complete applications for public benefit programs and received other beneficial resource information in-person during the Covid-19 office closure resulting from the “Shelter in Place” requirements.


The Community Kitchen was a welcome resource for newly arrived Afghans to pick up a weekly food box if needed.
The Community Kitchen enables the following services that benefit the community:

  • Training in cooking nutritious food
  • Pop-up Cultural Food Preparation Demonstrations
  • Provide a space for entrepreneurs in the start-up phase of their food preparation business
  • Cultural events showcasing traditional foods