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Miriam’s story: From layoff to business owner

Miriam calls her business a “COVID baby” – it was born after she was laid off because of the pandemic.

LifeDirt began as a mobile green grocer and raw juice producer in Saint John, providing a new avenue for local farmers to get their produce to market year-round and for families an easy way to safely get the vegetables and fruits they need while supporting local.

She launched the business after taking part in the Enterprising Women program offered by the Saint John Community Loan Fund, a United Way-funded partner. Staff encouraged her to pursue her idea for a business and the program helped her devise a business plan, which in turn helped her secure the funding to get started.

“I am so grateful for the Saint John Community Loan Fund,” Miriam says, “for both pushing me to move forward with my idea and providing me with the support to take it further.”