Local co-working space CO+HOOTS is partnering with Beneficial Beans, a Phoenix café created by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center that provides training opportunities for adults with autism spectrum disorder, to open a five-month pop-up boutique dedicated to social enterprises.
The boutique opened for business on Oct. 16 at 1027 E Washington Street in Phoenix. There are products available from at least 20 social enterprises, including some local businesses. Beneficial Beans will operate its café at the boutique as well, and all proceeds from café purchases benefit adults with autism.
This café will be Beneficial Beans’ third location. According to a press release, this new site “comes at a critical time” because the second café was located inside of Burton Barr Central Library. The library was severely damaged by storms in June, which forced that café to close until next summer.
“CO+HOOTS and Beneficial Beans share a strong dedication to creating a better world by helping the diverse people within it,” said Jenny Poon, CO+HOOTS founder, in a press release. “When we heard that Beneficial Beans was displaced from the storm damage at Burton Barr Library, we wanted to see how we can help them continue to operate and do the good work they’re doing. Through this partnership, not only are we helping Beneficial Beans but we hope to empower other companies to create social impact without sacrificing profit.”
Each business participating in the pop-up boutique pays $500 for the season, and in turn, receives marketing, space, and staff to sell the products. CO+HOOTS doesn’t take any cut of the businesses’ profits, and it guarantees participants their products will sell, or it will waive the $500 fee.
CO+HOOTS and Beneficial Beans hope to appeal to residents’ desire to buy holiday gifts that positively impact the community.
“We are proud of our community partners who support our social enterprise program, which, with the talent and support of our clinical team, provide vital training platforms for our adult clients as they prepare for competitive, community-based employment,” said Kate Thoene, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center’s social enterprise director.
Learn more about the boutique here.
