W.T. AA. LLC, Abdelrahman

Phoenix, Arizona

Abdelrahman’s journey began in September 2004, when he migrated from Sudan to the U.S. seeking surgery for a brain tumor. Upon arriving, Abdelrahman worked diligently in various roles to support himself. He spent almost three years as a cashier in Washington, D.C., and later obtained a security job at Howard University. Alongside his security job, he performed notary work at a law firm, assisting an immigration lawyer for five years.

With a passion for helping others and a vision for his future, Abdelrahman moved to Phoenix to study criminal justice at Phoenix College. During this time, he started a non-profit organization focused on the Sudanese community, specializing in resettlement immigration and refugee case documentation.

This organization later evolved into a business, W.T. AA. LLC, providing legal immigration services. The business assists Sudanese and Arabic-speaking individuals and families in navigating the complexities of immigration.

Despite his dedication and hard work, Abdelrahman faced significant challenges accessing the capital needed to grow W.T. AA. LLC. He required $10,000 to purchase essential equipment, including computers and a printer, and to ensure sufficient cash flow to sustain his operations. With traditional funding sources unavailable, Abdelrahman turned to IRC Phoenix’s Small Business Program for assistance.

Referred by the local Sudanese community in Phoenix, Abdelrahman connected with a business counselor at the IRC and enrolled in PRIME. Together, they meticulously worked on his loan application, detailing the business’s needs and growth potential. Abdelrahman’s commitment to his vision and his business counselor’s support paid off when he was approved for a $10,000 loan from the IRC’s Center of Economic Opportunity (CEO) in June 2024.

With the $10,000 loan, Abdelrahman allocated $4,000 to purchase essential equipment to improve his business’s operational efficiency. The remaining $6,000 was invested to maintain cash flow and expand.

“With the funding I received, I will focus on attracting healthcare clients to continue helping my Sudanese community who are not able to pay much more for their services,” says Abdelrahman.

The financial boost allows Abdelrahman to strategically attract higher-paying clients, particularly healthcare businesses needing assistance with international employee relocation. In the future, he plans to target contracts with colleges and similar institutions to provide student visa services.

Abdelrahman’s success story is a testament to his resilience, determination, and the power of community support. Through IRC Phoenix’s Small Business Program, he accessed the necessary capital to grow and laid the groundwork for future expansion and success. His journey inspires many in the Sudanese community and beyond, showcasing that achieving one’s dreams is possible with the proper support and perseverance.