SUCCESS STORIES
Congratulations to all our clients who have taken a step towards starting or have started their own business. We value your history, your sacrifices and your courage to rebuild. Motivation for starting a business can vary, some have been business owners previously, others have a particular passion or skill whilst others see the path to business ownership as a better way to support their family and community. What ever your reason, Thrive is here to support you along your journal.
Monthly Spotlight - June 2024
Samiulla Noori, Afghanistan, now Auburn NSW
Samiulla is an inspiring person and highly skilled Engineer from Afghanistan who first arrived in Australia in 2007 on a student visa with his wife and 6 children to study Engineering, returning to Afghanistan on completion in 2011. However, after the Taliban took over in 2021, he and his family returned to Australia as refugees and settled in NSW.
Samiulla became a Thrive business loan and business planning support client in May 2023.
Samiulla acquired a Bachelor degree in Auto Mechanical Engineering in Kabul in 2004, and prior to coming to Australia the first time was an electrical supervisor for four years with the United Nations. In Australia he commenced his Advanced Diploma in Communication Engineering at TAFE.
In 2011 after his visa expired, Samiulla returned to Afghanistan with his family. From 2011 until 2013 Samiulla worked as a Chief Engineer on projects with the US Embassy where he specialised in Perkins & Caterpillar engines for which he received training in the UK. From 2014 until 2021 Samiulla was a contractor as an Auto Engineer in Baghram Air Base for the Australian Embassy.
After the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021, Samiulla left Afghanistan for Australia with his mother, his wife and their 6 children on a 449 Visa. In May 2022 he received a Protection Visa. Since arriving in Australia a second time he has completed a Certificate 3 in Light Vehicle Technology and a Certificate 4 in Automotive Diagnostic Technology, helping him to find employment with local mechanic operations.
In May 2023 after securing a business loan with business planning support from Thrive (this included start-up costs for an auto shop plus equipment, and developing a detailed business plan), Samiulla was able to secure a lease to open his own mechanics business workshop. Since opening, the business is expanding and to meet customer demand, two of Samiulla’s sons have since joined the business part time.
Samiulla Noori
Nationality: Afghan
Lives: Auburn, NSW
Family in Australia: Wife, mother and 6 children
Languages: Dari, English
Thrive Business Loan Approval: May 2023
Qualifications
*B.A. Mechanical Engineering, Kabul
*Advanced Dip. Communications Engineering, AU
*Certificate 3 Light Vehicle Technology, AU
*Certificate 4 Auto Diagnostic Technology, AU
*Holder of Motor Mechanic license NSW
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Thrive supported Samer to a path of self-employment as an owner driver through training with Australia Post and providing finance to purchase his own van.
David learnt about Thrive’s services through his wife and after a process of business planning, he was supported with a loan to start a Jim’s Moving business.
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Thrive supported Elham to purchase a Coffee Van business in 2019 and have since provided further funding for a second van.
Maryam was able to start her pickled food business with the support of Thrive, including financing to purchase food processing equipment.
Tial approached Thrive to help her start her own cleaning business under Keen to Clean to help support her own family and her extended family in Burma.
Help at the right time from Thrive has allowed Stephen, who was a lawyer in his birth country, to set up his law practice in Australia.
Opening of Chubby Chef Kebab in Melbourne.
Thrive supported Ben to start his own cabinetry and joinery business.
Kevork had already started his automotive business when he approached Thrive for additional support and finance to grow his business.
Together with his business partners, Talha approached Thrive for support and finance to start their biscuit manufacturing business,
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