Café to Support Immigrants and Refugees Wins Pitching Competition

by

Editorial Policy

Published on

Last updated on

[A]n award designed to recognize the entrepreneurial efforts of an individual or team working to address a social, environmental, or economic problem was given to the founders of a new café concept this past weekend.

Diaspora Coffee & Chai Co. was founded by Sam Khaute and Jesse Prichard, with the common mission to offer in-depth job skills, English language training, and cultural integration for immigrants and refugees through a coffee shop. Khaute himself is an immigrant from a remote corner of India, who, after six months of unemployment, found a career and community while working in a local refugee-owned café. Diaspora currently produces and sells specialty roast coffee, but has yet to open a brick and mortar location.

Khaute and Prichard pitched their concept alongside several competing companies, ranging from AI technology in healthcare to innovative social housing concepts, to judges at the Elevating Impact Summit. Diaspora was awarded the top prize of the Impact Invention Award for its ability to solve a problem through enterprise.

“Winning the Elevating Impact Summit Pitch Fest was something out of this world for us,” Khaute tells Fresh Cup. “We were already feeling so honored to be one of the finalists at the Summit. Winning the pitch contest was just unbelievable! Still cannot believe it! That said, it is very humbling to know that people believe in our endeavor. It gives us new strength and hope knowing that we are not alone in this venture.” 

Share This Article

Fresh Cup Staff

Join 7,000+ coffee pros and get top stories, deals, and other industry goodies in your inbox each week.

Other Articles You May Like

With Flowers and Plants, These Coffee Shops Are Bringing The Outdoors In

Jessica Han had always been drawn to flowers and coffee. For years, she dabbled in floral arrangements as a side hobby in her hometown of San Jose, California, making bouquets for friends and family…
by Haley Greene | May 25, 2023

Are Shipping Container Coffeeshops Here To Stay?

While storage container coffee shops were initially deemed a passing trend, many entrepreneurs worldwide have found remarkable success with this unconventional café concept.
by Zoe Stanley | May 17, 2023

How Coffee Shops Make Standout Design Choices

First impressions matter—are you creating the experience your customers crave? Here’s what to think about when designing your café.
by Haley Greene | April 26, 2023

Mourning The Coffeeshops We’ve Lost

In March 2020, thousands of coffee businesses were forced to close their doors—some never reopened. This is in memory of all the shops we’ve lost.
by Valorie Clark | March 29, 2023