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February 23, 2022
Most grocery stores have shelves full of packaged items. Look down the aisles, and you’ll find cans, boxes, and loads of plastic most of which ends up in your garbage can and in landfills. Hello!Bulk is different.
Jamaica Trinnaman is the founder and owner of zero waste store Hello!Bulk Market, which she started with the help of an Economic Development Loan Fund microloan from the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development in 2017 to help open their first location.
Jamaica wanted to control the amount she bought, avoiding food and product waste, and to reduce the amount of plastic and packaging she consumed.
“There is a lot we can do to cut back on our dependence on single use plastic,” she said.
The bulk foods grocery store located at 1185 South and 300 West in Salt Lake City, offers a wide range of nearly 300 bulk foods and personal care items – all sold by weight – ranging from nuts and beans to soaps and laundry detergent. Many items are organic and from local producers who use sustainable ingredients and methods when making their goods. Some of their top selling products include olive oil, oats, laundry soap and a variety of local goods.
Hello!Bulk Markets received a second loan in 2018 and third in 2021 to relocate to a larger space. The Economic Development Loan Fund loan was used for renovation, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and working capital. After receiving her EDLF loan, Jamaica said, “The EDLF program provided clear communication and helped my business through the entire application process.”
Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development Deputy Director Lorena Riffo-Jenson said, “It’s always great when Salt Lake City supports small business growth and development, but we’re even more excited for a company like Hello!Bulk and their champion of an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Hello!Bulk not only aligns with Mayor Mendenhall’s vision of supporting sustainable practices but also fosters a sense of community – we are thrilled to support them in Salt Lake City.”
Visit Hello!Bulk Market for various DIY workshops, local products and support for zero waste start-ups as well. Check them out at 1185 South 300 West in Salt Lake City, UT 84101 or soon at their new second location at The Neighborhood Hive (2065 East 2100 South SLC, UT opening in March 2022). www.hellobulkmarkets.com
“Life isn’t about what we deserve, it’s about what we do,” Jamaica said.
About the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development
Formed in 2016, Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development is focused on building Salt Lake City as a vibrant, beautiful, prosperous, diverse, and authentic place – a place that is economically accessible to everyone. Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Salt Lake City is strategically located for businesses to succeed. SLCDED works to streamline processes, provide excellent customer service, and offer an array of resources and services to recruit and retain businesses in the City, and ensure they have the tools to thrive. For more information about the Salt Lake City Economic Development Loan Fund, visit www.slc.gov/ed/edlfloan.