Ariful Islam’s Journey: Turning Struggles into Strength

Ariful Islam Labu’s story is one of resilience, hope, and determination. Born and raised in Sirajganj, he had dreams like any young graduate—to find a stable job, support his family, and build a future. But reality often paints a different picture. After graduating, Ariful found himself struggling to land a job. The job market was tough, and financial limitations made it harder to pursue opportunities outside his hometown. “I faced many hurdles trying to find a job,” Ariful recalls. “When I couldn’t find any jobs, I decided to start a business with the limited resources and capabilities I had.” This was a pivotal moment in Ariful’s life.

Instead of letting the lack of opportunities defeat him, he chose to create his own. With no capital to invest, he reached out to Grameen Trust, hoping for a lifeline. The small loan he received through the Nobin Equity Program allowed him to open a mobile repair shop in his community—a service that was desperately needed in Sirajganj. “In my area, there were very few mobile servicing shops, let alone digital device servicing shops,” Ariful explains.

He saw a gap, and he filled it. The trust he built with his customers became the foundation of his growing business. “People’s trust in me changed everything,” he says. “They saw that there was no better service provider in the area for repairing phones and other electronics.” From that moment on, his business began to flourish. Customers from outside his region started seeking out his services, and as his income improved, Ariful knew he needed to expand. But he did not just want to grow—he wanted to do it right. Ariful returned to Grameen Trust for further support from the Nobin Uddokta Program, and this time, it was not just about money. In October 2022, Grameen Trust had partnered with Impact Hub Dhaka (IHD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to support over 6,000 entrepreneurs - like Arif, from marginalized communities in 25 districts across Bangladesh, with training on digital business transformation and financial literacy.

When Arif participated in one of these training sessions hosted by IHD in collaboration with ILO and Grameen Trust, it opened his eyes to new possibilities, including how to use digital tools to attract more customers. “Their training on digitalizing the business was a big help,” he says. Ariful began marketing his products online, something he had never considered before. The results were beyond his expectations. Wholesale buyers from urban areas started reaching out to him through Facebook, and his business grew in ways he had never imagined. “I never thought I’d have two shops and seven full-time staff,” Ariful reflects. “This was all possible because I was determined to learn and do better for my community.”

Ariful’s journey was not just about personal success—it was about uplifting those around him. In a region where people often had to travel long distances to repair their digital devices, his shop became a beacon of convenience and quality service. His business now employs seven people, providing not just salaries, but also meals and accommodation. He takes pride in supporting others, just as he was supported at the start of his journey. “My staff earns around $80-90 each month, and I also provide meal and accommodation support at my shop,” Ariful shares. It is not just about business for him—it is about creating a community where people can thrive together. Ariful’s story resonates deeply with anyone who has faced obstacles on their path to success. His ability to turn struggles into strength is a testament to his resilience. But his journey is not over.

He has ambitious plans to expand his business into urban areas, where demand is higher. He knows there will be challenges ahead, but Ariful is confident in his ability to overcome them. “I see my business moving rapidly in that direction over the next two years,” he says. “I know there will be bigger challenges as I expand, but I am confident in my capabilities and intentions. I am ready for it.” Ariful’s journey is not just a tale of entrepreneurship—it is a story of hope, community, and the belief that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. He turned his hardships into opportunities, and in doing so, he has not only changed his own life but the lives of those around him.