Entrepreneurship is one of many paths explored by refugees and new Americans arriving to the U.S. and seeking to rebuild their lives. In July, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah hosted a friendly pitch competition, offering capital business prizes sponsored by Comcast.  

“[The IRC’s] Small Business team supports aspiring entrepreneurs with training, counseling, access to capital, and—once a year—a chance to compete in this very event: the New American Dream Lab,” noted Carolina Terrazas, entrepreneurship & economic empowerment manager at the IRC during her opening remarks at the annual New American Dream Lab.  

Carolina explained that 27 entrepreneurs from across the community applied to join the New American Dream Lab. Each attended workshops and received support to learn about telling their story, garnering financials support and building a business plan. All participants built a pitch deck and presented during a preliminary competition—narrowing the field from 27 down to ten and then again to the three finalists.  

Selam Dickerson, originally from Ethiopia, pitched on Rollin’ Harvest, her mobile farmers market that hopes to revolutionize how we shop for fresh produce and increase access to locally-grown products for communities that face added barriers. Dmytro Mateiko, who arrived to Utah from Ukraine in recent years, has worked to rebuild his family’s tourism business, Matei Travel—a passion project that had been wiped away by the war. Exancia Midy, of Haiti, explained her vision for a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Jemly’s, that would establish a permanent home for Haitian food to Utah County.  

Dmytro Mateiko stands at the front of the room, back to the brick wall and projector screen, as he pitches his small business to the audience. The photo was taken from the back of the audience with numerous seated individuals in the foreground.
Dmytro Mateiko pitched his business, Matei Travel, at New American Dream Lab. Each finalist was given three minutes to make their pitch followed by five minutes of Q&A with the judges.
Photo: Yusuf Maung/Salt Lake City

In the end, all of the finalists walked away with a prize, but Exancia earned top marks from the judges and the audience, securing $4,000 from a first-place finish and an additional $500 from the audience choice award. Selam earned second place with $2,000 for Rollin’ Harvest, and Dmytro earned $1,000 for Matei Travel.  

Exancia, who has a background in healthcare, is excited to pursue her passion as a restauranteur: “I feel so proud when I see [my customers’] expression after they taste my food,” she confirmed.  

In 2016, she registered Jemly’s Food Truck, transitioning from a part-time catering business to a full-time venture. Since, she has dreamed of opening a brick-and-mortar where she could share her signature dishes, including Pikliz, a spicy Haitian coleslaw, and Diri Djon Djon, a plate of rice and mushrooms.  

The IRC’s New American Dream Lab offers all participants the chance to grow as entrepreneurs. Through the economic empowerment initiatives at the IRC, participants access financial coaching, small business counseling, and so much more as they work hard to build a future for their family. Carolina stressed the importance of the gathering: “This event reminds us that refugees are Americans too—we often call them New Americans—and their dreams, their talents, and their businesses are all part of what grows and strengthens Utah.” 

Group photo of New American Dream Lab judges and entrepreneurs standing in front of a projector screen that reads "New American Dream Lab." All are dressed in professional or casual professional attire, looking at the camera and smiling.
New American Dream Lab judges and finalist entrepreneurs from left to right: Danielle Lower, Rosa Dorantes, Dmytro Mateiko, Exancia Midy, Selam Dickerson, Casey Clark, and Ibrahim Ramazani.
Photo: Yusuf Maung/Salt Lake City

The IRC in Utah is deeply grateful to Comcast for their continued financial support of the New American Dream Lab—the capital prizes offered support local entrepreneurs as they strive to scale their ideas in our community. We are also deeply grateful to Salt Lake City Mayor Mendenhall and her team for awarding the New American Dream Lab a grant from the Mayor’s Arts, Culture & Events Fund.  

Finally, we would like to extend our thanks to the judges who offered their expertise in support of the finalists, including Casey Clark of Western Governor’s University, Danielle Lower of Mountain West Small Business Finance, Rosa Dorantes of KeyBank, and Ibrahim Ramazani of Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development.  

Explore other refugee- and new American-owned businesses to support in Utah by visiting our Small Business Directory » 

You can ensure our work in service of local entrepreneurs continues by making a one-time gift or starting a monthly gift at Rescue.org/GiveSLC »