Syrian newcomers learn at Arabic entrepreneurship workshop

At least 70 Syrian newcomers attended an employment and entrepreneurial workshop hosted by the non-profit groups Fusion Halifax and Enactus Dalhousie Saturday.

The two-day event provided childcare while participants learn employment skills — all in Arabic — from business owners.

"When you really love what you do, you will be successful 100 per cent," said Abdul kader Sadieh, a restaurant owner, who immigrated to Canada 10 years ago.

He provided lunch at the event and was on hand to dispense wisdom, which he said is even more important for an entrepreneur than money.

"Besides the funding, they need the advice because of the new culture for them."

At the end of the event participants were asked to present their business ideas to a panel of judges, who would award cash prizes.

The money was fundraised by the non-profit community group Fusion Halifax and the student entrepreneurship club Enactus Dalhousie.

Pest control to construction

Some of the business ideas participants have put forward include a pest control company that is environmentally friendly, a construction business and a Syrian cafe.

Akram Al-Otumi, director of entrepreneurship at Fusion Halifax, immigrated from Yemen nine years ago and started a 3D printing business. He organized the workshop, which brought in business owners, like himself, to talk to participants.

"They will be talking about employment trends, resume writing, job search, job interview skills, and that would be helpful for Syrian newcomers to be integrated into the Canadian workforce," Al-Otumi said.