From childhood, Abdelgadir Ibrahim embraced the responsibility of creating financial security for his extended family. Brought up by his father after his mom’s death, he started a grocery store at the age of 22. Abdelgadir taught his brother to run it, then transferred ownership to him. Upon moving from Sudan to the United States, he felt confident he had created a nest egg that would take care of his family after he emigrated.

Settling down in Dorchester, Abdelgadir drove taxis for a living. For ten years, he learned the city inside out, and his kind, family-style customer service led to long-time repeat clients. When his medallion cab was finally worn down by use in 2014, Abdelgadir did the math and decided to make his U.S. foray into small business ownership. In 2014 he launched Tiba Services, a private car service.

When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020–just after he purchased a second vehicle–it almost decimated his company. But with the help of a state relief grant and a forgivable PPP (Payroll Protection Program) loan, Abdelgadir pulled through.

His hard work really paid off when, around this time, he connected with JPNDC’s Small Business Services. JPNDC was partnering with Verizon to test the company’s new online platform for digital education, so along with 70 other small business owners Abdelgadir strengthened the online skills that are becoming more and more important for entrepreneurs. He went on to win another three grants—the most recent being awarded in January 2023! One of them, a special grant focused on digital skills, has allowed him to improve his website for a better client experience.

It says a lot about Abdelgadir to know what his business name means. “Tiba” is the Arabic word for beauty and health. In fact, to talk with him is to come away with a sense of joy and gratitude. His work is a community collaboration in many ways, connecting other immigrants with car service opportunities, and offering clients bilingual, compassionate customer service.

His attitude is one of community giving. He can’t help himself from urging fellow entrepreneurs to create their own dreams fearlessly. “Dream bigger,” he says. “Do not discourage yourself. As long as you’re willing and honest, you can do it.”

Back in Sudan, the grocery store has kept his family of origin financially secure—just as he intended. In Boston, he’s doing the same for his family here. He hopes to leave Tiba to his daughter, whose Tufts education has been supported by his business acumen and deep-rooted joy in community building.

Are YOU a small business owner interested in upgrading your digital capacity? The grant Abdelgadir won is still available for other small business owners! JPNDC is thrilled to be a sponsor, helping businesses access the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation’s Digital Empower grant. Contact us at smallbiz@jpndc.org to find out if you quality to get up to $5,000 in tools to grow your business too.