Innovative e-commerce platform empowers refugee small business owners to reach new consumers and expand markets
November 30, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario: Jumpstart Refugee Talent, a global nonprofit dedicated to the economic empowerment of refugees, announces the launch of the Refugee Marketplace, an online platform featuring unique, artisanal, and handmade products created by refugee entrepreneurs across Canada.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this initiative, just in time for the holidays,” said Waseem Jawad, Senior Program Manager, Entrepreneurship, at Jumpstart Refugee Talent. “The Refugee Marketplace is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and resilience of refugee entrepreneurs, especially those balancing their small businesses alongside day jobs and family responsibilities. We are honored to support their journey to expand market reach through Canada’s first online marketplace dedicated to refugee-led businesses.”
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
For the soft launch, the platform features a handful of entrepreneurs, most of whom have participated in Jumpstart’s Entrepreneurial Support Program, receiving personalized coaching to refine their business ideas and scale their operations.
One such entrepreneur is Burlington, Ontario-based Nesreen Abosultan, founder and CEO of Wud Chocolates and Gifts. A winner of Jumpstart’s 2023 HER Startup event, targeting female entrepreneurs in Canada, Nesreen received investment support to launch her business in December 2023. “Jumpstart’s coaching and encouragement gave me the confidence to take the next steps in my business,” Nesreen shared. “The Refugee Marketplace is a game-changer for small businesses like mine, and I’m excited to be part of this initiative.”
A Platform for Creativity and Impact
The Refugee Marketplace showcases a diverse range of products—including chocolates, traditional handicrafts, greeting cards, clothing, perfume, and more—all made by refugee entrepreneurs. The platform also plans to expand to include services in the future.
Among the vendors is Gladys Njeri, owner of Luxury Perfume Oils Canada. Sharing her vision, Gladys said, “The power of sharing stories through fragrance is truly remarkable. Each scent carries within it the ability to evoke memories and emotions. By presenting these perfume oils, we are offering a glimpse into diverse cultures and traditions. It’s a beautiful way to connect with people on a deeper level. Through this marketplace, we aim to create a space where these stories can be heard and appreciated, as well as encouragement to anyone who is a refugee and is looking to start a business.”
The youngest entrepreneur featured is 16-year-old Sedra Alshamaly, based in Milton, Ontario and co-founder of Elegant Art, a nonprofit art-centered organization she launched with her sister Shahd at ages 9 and 11. The duo donates 20% of their profits to humanitarian causes relating to child refugees.
“We’re proud to join this marketplace,” said Sedra. “It’s an opportunity to expand our reach, create sustainable products, and highlight the entrepreneurial contributions of refugees to Canada’s economy.”
A Marketplace with Built-in Support
Beyond the e-commerce platform, Jumpstart provides ongoing coaching and mentorship to vendors. Noora Sharab, founder and CEO of Sitti Social Enterprise and a business coach for the marketplace, emphasized its unique value: “In today’s online space, it’s easy for small businesses to get lost. The Refugee Marketplace is a curated platform that shines a spotlight on these community-based ventures and supports their growth.”
The Refugee Marketplace is open to refugee entrepreneurs in Canada, with plans to expand internationally, offering a continually evolving platform for showcasing talent and driving economic integration.
Explore the Refugee Marketplace at: www.refugeemarketplace.ca