Success stories

Meet the entrepreneurs and businesses Thrive supports

Thrive is all about positive change. So we're both humbled and proud to see how the lives of refugee and asylum seeker entrepreneurs have been transformed through Thrive loans and business support, and how they in turn are making positive contributions to our economy and communities.

From tradespeople, domestic services providers, caterers, Uber drivers, designers and creative services suppliers, to commercial kitchen staff, handicraft experts, beauty parlours and leather workers, there are success stories waiting to be told in every industry.

Our Success Stories
Thananchan Ramanathan

When I arrived Australia as a refugee I had nothing with me. It’s not easy to start a new life and business here due to my financial difficulty. I tried to apply for a loan from some banks, however, all of them rejected my application. Then my friends introduced me to Thrive where I experienced great service and met friendly people. My loan application only took 4 weeks to be approved. Now I’m an Uber driver with a great income, absolutely feeling positive with my future. I would strongly recommend Thrive to other refugees who have similar conditions as me.

Mirwais Danish

I came from Afghanistan. When I first arrived Australia, I couldn’t afford to buy a car. Thrive helped me reach my business goals by lending me $20k to buy a car and work as an Uber driver. It didn’t take long for my loan to be approved. I am satisfied with the service provided by Thrive and grateful that my life and work are on the positive side. I would definitely recommend Thrive to other refugees when they experience a financial difficulty to start their own business.

Hamid Ranjbarian

Hamid Ranjbarian, 36, fled from persecution in Iran in 2011. Hamid soon arrived in Indonesia and waited two years until he was granted a refugee visa to Australia as part of the UNCHR Resettlement Program. In Iran, Hamid had his own herbal medicine business. Upon arriving in Australia in 2013, Hamid was keen to become economically active and utilise his business experience. Last year, Hamid started his own painting business, AAA Quality Painting & Decorating, and has since been able to contract with a number of commercial painting projects in Sydney. His business has allowed him to provide for his family, as well as employment for seven other people. Hamid contacted Thrive because he wanted to buy more paint stock and additional equipment to deliver on jobs. He says of the Thrive loan process: “It was very fast – it only took two weeks. My Thrive loan has helped my cash flow and has allowed me to build up business and attract bigger contracts. I would 100% recommend Thrive.” Hamid and his family are very happy with their new life here in Australia. As a refugee who fled from his home country due to persecution, Hamid is thankful for all the freedoms that living in Australia has provided. “My children are going to school and we are making the most of their education here. My daughter even has a beautiful Aussie accent!”

Success Stories Video's
Jamie's Journey to Oxin Signs
Jamie's Journey to Oxin Signs
Hamid's Journey to AAA Quality Painting & Decorating
Hamid's Journey to AAA Quality Painting & Decorating
Testimonials
Mirwais' Inspiring Road to Success
Mirwais' Inspiring Road to Success
Danny Drives to Success
Danny Drives to Success
Stay tuned to see how lives have been transformed.
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