A small business creates a sense of security while seeking asylum

Karim employed more than 40 people and with an enduring passion for business, he hopes to replicate this in Australia.

Since being granted work rights in 2015, Karim has put his skills and experience to good use.

He started working for a friend and soon learnt that security camera installation was a booming market in Sydney.

After gaining valuable local work experience through his friend’s business, Karim set about starting his own business.

He spoke to his SSI case manager who referred Karim to the Ignite Small Business Start-up initiative. The Ignite enterprise facilitator then worked closely with the resource team members to support Karim in following his dream and passion.

Ignite Initiative Coordinator Dina Petrakis said Karim had the passion, which is one of three attributes crucial for any entrepreneur that is supported by Ignite.

“Ignite facilitation is based on Ernesto Sirolli’s Trinity of Management theory,” Ms. Petrakis said.

“We linked Karim to marketing and business registration specialists from our resource team, because we believe that one person can’t be an expert in all the things required to start a small business.”

Karim has now established his own business, Eagle Eyes Security Systems. Since its establishment in 2015, Eagle Eyes Security Systems has installed security cameras in more than 50 locations and has a showroom in Wollongong and Belmore.

Karim said he was happy with the support provided by Ignite.

“Ignite was very helpful for me, and helped me in a lot of different areas and also provided a lot of information about the import and export process,” Karim said.

*SSI publishes only the first names of people who are seeking asylum in Australia to protect their identity.