On the first Thursday of each month, Sugar House Coffee will host a pop-up shop welcoming new American entrepreneurs to sell their products, gain exposure to new customers, and promote their business is hosting a pop-up event for refugee or new American business owners! From jewelry and baskets to home décor, clothing and other unique products, entrepreneurs work to make quality, handmade products with deep ties to their cultural traditions.   

Earlier this month, Sugar House Coffee worked with Zubaidah’s Boutique, a small business owned by Zubaidah, a former refugee from Iraq who now participates in the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City’s small business program.  “I really enjoyed it,” Zubaidah said, “Everyone was so kind. I felt so encouraged and comfortable at Sugar House Coffee!” Zubaidah was able to network with new customers and enjoyed a great day of sales!  

Table filled with jewelry in a coffee shop. People in line ordering food and coffee.
Zubaidah's Boutique pop up was a huge hit at Sugar House Coffee!
Photo: Mattie Vandel

Emily, the owner of Sugar House Coffee, showed exuberance at the pop-up event and was eager to present this opportunity for Zubaidah and other small business owners. Sugar House Coffee’s mission is to provide the community with a public gathering space for everyone to feel safe sharing their story. Emily believes giving entrepreneurs a space to share products that tie so closely to who they are and where they came from is incredibly important.   

“As entrepreneurs, you just need someone to believe in you and motivate you,” said Emily. As a woman in business, Emily recognizes the challenges entrepreneurs—especially women—experience just starting out.  Her community has been able to give her the chance to do what she loves, and this is just one of the ways Emily is hoping to give back to the community.   

Though Emily had not previously connected with the IRC in Salt Lake City, she was motivated to support refugee and new American businesses because of their resilience and determination.  “I cannot imagine having to leave everything I know and starting over. Stepping into your neighbor’s shoes can change the way that you think or even go about your every day,” said Emily.  

Zubaidah’s pop-up shop was a hit with the Sugar House Coffee community! The entire team working that day was impressed by the experience and opportunity to learn more about Zubaidah and her business, and they estimated that 80-90% of their customers also stopped by Zubaidah’s pop-up.  “I think it is our duty as human beings to support and encourage. As we wrap up two years of this pandemic, so much has fallen on entrepreneurs and small businesses. If we can encourage and uplift people… why not?” said Emily.   

Street view of a red coffee shop and entrance into the parking lot.
Sugar House Coffee will begin hosting new American entrepreneurs on the first Thursday of every month!
Photo: Sugar House Coffee

Though this was the first partnership with Sugar House Coffee, Mattie Vandel, micro-enterprise development AmeriCorps VISTA, is eager to form other partnerships to help budding and established volunteers access market opportunities: “I noticed there was a gap in the market access opportunity for our clients. Many folks have all this inventory they are ready to sell but are either lacking the digital literacy skills to sell online or are still saving funds for a brick-and-mortar store.” 

Partnerships with established businesses in the community, like Sugar House Coffee, offer refugee and new American entrepreneurs opportunities to grow and sustain their small businesses. “It is a great opportunity to new American-owned small businesses to advertise their business, share business cards, sell inventory, and overall boost their customers and sales,” said Mattie. The IRC’s economic wellbeing team is hoping more local businesses will join the effort to offer space and exposure for future pop-up shops.   

Sugar House Coffee’s next pop-up shop will feature African Roots Fashion on April 7th from 10am to 2pm. Support local small businesses, and enjoy your favorite drink and food at the same time! This is a great opportunity to engage with the community, and encourage small businesses!   

Do you own or have connections to a retail space, coffee shop, restaurant, or any other Salt Lake City business that is interested in hosting a monthly pop-up to support new American-owned businesses? If so, kindly fill out our Partner Interest Form for more information here »