Year-End Update From Thrive Community Lending

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Dear Friend,

As the year comes to a close, we want to start by saying thank you. 

Because of your support, refugee entrepreneurs across Georgia are building businesses, strengthening their families’ stability, and creating pathways toward long-term economic opportunity. Your partnership makes it possible for Thrive Community Lending to meet entrepreneurs where they are and walk alongside them as they grow. 

This moment also gives us the chance to reflect on what we've accomplished together over the past year, and to share why we’re feeling energized and hopeful as we look ahead to the year to come. 

Year-End Impact Highlights 

Because of your support, Thrive Community Lending continues to grow in both reach and credibility. 

  • 35 refugee-owned businesses launched or strengthened, representing $400,000 invested directly into low-income communities with the creation on 59 jobs.

  • Official recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the U.S. government, strengthening Thrive’s long-term sustainability 

  • $200,000 Neighborhood Builders grant from Bank of America, awarded to support refugee-owned small businesses 

  • Expansion into Savannah, where four refugee entrepreneurs are launching new businesses to support their families with Thrive loans 

  • Leadership Breakfast held in September, convening banks, foundations, nonprofits, refugee entrepreneurs, and volunteers to discuss local economic challenges and shape pathways to shared prosperity 

Each milestone reflects not only progress, but trust. Trust from funders. Trust from partners. And trust from entrepreneurs choosing Thrive as a stepping stone toward long-term success. 

Borrower Spotlight: From Resettlement to Entrepreneurship

When Azatullah Alizai (on the right) arrived in the U.S. in 2016 through Inspiritus’ Refugee & Immigrant Services program, he was rebuilding his life from the ground up. A new country. New systems. And a deep determination to create stability for his family. 

With support from Inspiritus and Thrive Community Lending, Azatullah turned that determination into action.

Through Thrive’s training and affordable financing, he launched his own Halal food truck in Savannah, creating a pathway to economic independence through work he’s proud of. 

Today, his business is open, growing, and quickly becoming a favorite in the community. For Azatullah, this isn’t just a food truck. It’s stability, dignity, and a future shaped on his own terms. 

This is what your support makes possible. When opportunity meets resilience, families don’t just rebuild. They thrive. 

 Visit Azatullah’s food truck: 7505 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31406 

Why Thrive’s Role Matters 

Many early-stage entrepreneurs face a readiness gap before they can successfully access larger loans or traditional financial products. 

That is where Thrive plays a critical role. 

We work alongside entrepreneurs to help them build stability, credit readiness, and strong operational foundations. Our partners have been clear that this bridge matters. It strengthens their future pipeline and ensures entrepreneurs are prepared to step confidently into the capital products those institutions offer, rather than being pushed forward too soon. 

When Thrive does its job well, everyone benefits. Entrepreneurs grow stronger. Partners engage with better-prepared borrowers. Communities become more economically resilient. 


Looking Ahead to the New Year 

As we step into the year ahead, we are energized by what’s possible and grateful for the community that surrounds this work. 

There are several meaningful ways you can continue supporting local refugee entrepreneurs: 

  • Volunteer as a business coach or advisor, sharing your expertise with early-stage entrepreneurs 

  • Host a training class or workshop, helping entrepreneurs build practical skills in areas like finance, marketing, operations, or compliance 

  • Recommend potential borrowers who may benefit from Thrive’s training and affordable capital 

  • Make introductions to organizations aligned with this work, whether as collaborative partners, funders, or volunteer groups 

Your time, expertise, and connections play a critical role in helping entrepreneurs move from survival to stability to growth.

For more information, email John Arnold by clicking the button below. 

Learn more

With Gratitude 

As the year winds down, we’re deeply thankful for your continued belief in this work. Every loan deployed, every business launched, and every family strengthened is connected to supporters like you. 

If you’re organization is looking for a meaningful way to close out the year: 

Give today. Change a life.

Donate Today

Your generosity helps refugee entrepreneurs access the training, capital, and support they need to build strong businesses and stable futures. 

Wishing you a warm, restful holiday season and a hopeful start to the new year.  

With appreciation,

John Arnold
Executive Director
Thrive Community Lending