On Saturday, June 21st, the day after World Refugee Day, Jumpstart Refugee Talent and SITTI Social Enterprise hosted a celebration through a vibrant Refugee Marketplace event. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., SITTI’s storefront in Mississauga, Ontario, transformed into a space of creativity, resilience, and community connection, showcasing the strength and spirit of refugee entrepreneurs. 

A Marketplace Fueled by Purpose 

Despite the warm weather and a modest turnout, the energy at the SITTI Refugee Marketplace was nothing short of inspiring. Vendors like Marie Beauty, Manal Chocolate, Grandma Dumplings, and Kahwe Time brought more than just their goods — they brought their stories, their skills, and their unwavering determination to thrive. 

The event featured Middle Eastern cuisine, delicious handmade dumplings from a Ukranian caterer, and a selection of artisan treats that reflected both culture and craft. Attendees had the chance to connect directly with the makers and hear firsthand how their journeys brought them to this point. 

Honoring Refugee Resilience 

One of the most powerful takeaways from the day was not the number of attendees, but the unshakable resilience shown by the refugee vendors. Rather than letting a quiet afternoon slow them down, they leaned into every moment, sharing resources, exchanging support, and even creating marketing content on the spot to make sure their voices reached beyond the event space. 

This unyielding spirit is what makes refugee entrepreneurs so remarkable. Their ability to adapt, to keep going, and to uplift one another is the very essence of strength. 

Stories that Inspire 

Among the many powerful stories shared, one that truly stood out was that of Aisha. Back home, in Syria, Aisha worked as a dentist alongside her husband. In Canada, the pathway to regaining her credentials proved challenging. But she has not let that stop her. When her mother, who speaks limited English, started a small business, Aisha stepped up to support her, handling operations, communications, and growth. Together, they are building something bigger than a business: they are building a legacy of resilience and empowerment as a mother-daughter team. 

Community Connections and Leadership 

We were honored to also welcome Member of Parliament Iqra Khalid, who joined us to celebrate the occasion and expressed genuine excitement about the event. Her presence was a reminder of the importance of recognition and support for refugee-led initiatives at every level. 

We also had the pleasure of connecting with a representative from the Islamic Charity Foundation, an organization supporting refugees globally. They expressed interest in future collaborations with Jumpstart, a promising sign for ongoing impact. 

Looking Ahead 

The Refugee Marketplace was more than just a local pop-up. It was a statement. It was a message saying that refugees are creators, leaders, and contributors to our communities. Their stories remind us that even when the odds are high, hope rises higher. 

We are grateful to all who made this day possible, and to every refugee entrepreneur who continues to show what is possible when strength meets opportunity. 

Support and Stay Connected 

Jumpstart will be sharing photos, vendor interviews, and feature stories in the coming weeks on our Marketplace and social media pages. We invite you to explore their journeys, support their businesses, and join us in continuing to build a future where refugees do not just survive; they actually thrive. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Refugee resilience shines through adversity 

• Community support and collaboration amplify impact 

• Entrepreneurial spirit among refugees is alive and growing 

• Empowerment is rooted in action, not just attendance