Yamani Services
The founder of the company, Kholoud Yamani, is originally from Jordan and lived there until she came to Sweden in 2003. With her degree in physics and her 14 years work at the United Nations, she did not think that becoming self-sustaining in Sweden would be a big obstacle. However, she had not yet realized the difficulties that immigrant women face as they try to integrate into Swedish society.
As an immigrant woman, Kholoud did not have the network or support to create a company. She did not have the “know-how” tools required for running a company, and did not really even know where to start. Persons who do not speak fluent Swedish and are dependent on welfare do not have access to financial markets in Sweden and therefore have difficulties in finding the right contacts for help.
After few months of struggle, she was recommended by the County Council to get in touch with MFI. Kholoud describes how the first conversation with MFI changed everything. She says “from the first conversation, everything turned around and immediately caught speed”. MFI studied her idea, analyzed the business plan, and arranged the consultation and assistance in Stockholm. Finally she felt supported.
Having MFI as the guarantor, JAK Members bank approved a 10,000 Euros (100,000 Swedish Kronor), which was the first victory for Kholoud. With this loan, she was able to buy the necessary equipment and start to find clients.
Now Kholoud is running two types of business – cleaning service and making cookies. She makes cookies after traditional recepies from her homeland Jordan, which are made from dried dates. And sells them in different stores in Stockholm. The biggest breakthrough with the cookies was when Yamani was asked to double her production and sell these in one of the biggest supermarkets in Sweden (Coop). Her production went from 200 to 700 cookies per day!
With a three year follow up plan, MFI is still giving advice to Yamani Services when needed and helping her with all types of legal and financial concerns.
Yamani Services - Cleaning Services & Cookies: A successful combination! Through proper support and assistance from MFI, Kholoud has been able to develop her ideas and put them into practice. She is no longer dependent on the welfare system and is very proud about her life today. As a pioneer in Swedish Microfinance, she is truly proving that immigrant women can become great entrepreneurs!
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