From refugee to entrepreneur: Fatima's journey

When Fatima arrived in Montréal in 2019, she didn't speak French or English. A Syrian refugee with three children, she carried with her one single asset: her passion for pastry.

First steps

"The first months were the hardest. I didn't understand anything, I couldn't even buy bread. But I had my children to feed, so I found the strength."

It was a CARI social worker who pointed Fatima toward francisation classes. At the same time, she took part in the women's entrepreneurship workshops.

The birth of the project

"One day, I brought baklavas to a CARI workshop. Everyone wanted some! My advisor told me: Fatima, this is your business."

With CARI's help, Fatima put together her business plan, secured a microloan and found a space in Saint-Laurent.

Today

Her pastry shop "Les Délices de Fatima" now employs two people and supplies several restaurants in the neighbourhood.

"CARI gave me far more than a helping hand. They gave me the confidence that I could succeed here."