In July 2024, Northern Arizona University (NAU) partnered with Kambia for a powerful business program designed to make a lasting impact in the heart of Greece. From July 12 to July 21, a group of dedicated NAU students journeyed to Athens with Kambia to complete a mission: to empower refugee and migrant business owners to grow their businesses.

Greece has been a central hub for migrants and refugees in Europe, and in response, Kambia has developed a program that equips these individuals with the tools they need to succeed in business. The key component of this initiative is offering micro-enterprise consultations, with NAU’s students stepping up to provide hands-on advice and strategies to help these small business owners thrive. But Kambia’s support doesn’t end with consultations alone.

Tailored Support for Entrepreneurs

With the help of NAU students, local mentors, and Kambia’s dedicated staff, this program offers a comprehensive approach to supporting entrepreneurs. Each consultation is tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of the businesses involved. This ensures that every entrepreneur receives personalized guidance. In addition to consultations, Kambia provides a small donation to each business, which is customized to help the entrepreneurs overcome their unique challenges and grow their enterprises. This combination of advice, mentorship, and financial support plays a critical role in empowering small business owners to continue their journeys toward stability and success.

Beyond the Consultations: Immersive Experiences in Athens

While the business consultations were the core of the program, NAU volunteers also had the chance to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Athens. The program included several activities that allowed the students to dive deep into the city’s history, culture, and art. One of the highlights was a visit to the Breeder Gallery, an important space for contemporary art in Greece. Volunteers also enjoyed a Plaka Walk, complete with souvenir shopping in one of Athens’ most charming districts.

In addition to these cultural experiences, the group explored the Acropolis Museum and the slopes of the Acropolis itself, immersing themselves in the ancient wonders of Greece. These outings provided students with an opportunity to connect with the local culture on a deeper level, while also giving them some well-deserved downtime from their hard work.

Connecting with the Community

One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the opportunity for NAU students to visit past business clients and local NGO partners. These visits allowed the students to see the long-term effects of Kambia’s support, creating a sense of continuity and connection between different program cohorts. They also took a memorable walk through some of the most vibrant parts of downtown Athens, including Sofokleous, Varvakeios, and Avisinias.

These experiences helped the students gain a broader perspective on the impact they were making, both on the businesses they supported during the week and on the greater ongoing work of Kambia across the city.

A Week of Empowerment and Growth

In just one week, NAU’s students were able to provide life-changing support to entrepreneurs, while also growing personally and professionally through their engagement with Athens and its people. The program left a profound mark on both the students and the business owners they worked with, demonstrating the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the shared goal of empowerment.

As Kambia continues its work in Greece and around the world, these programs remind us of the importance of supporting small businesses, particularly those run by vulnerable communities, and how even small actions can make a lasting difference.

Get involved in a Kambia program now. Schedule a call, or fill out an interest form and we will send you more information.