SMAL Investments, Big Ideas: How Invest PGH Helped Sol Refill Thrive
At Invest PGH, we believe in the power of big ideas. That’s why we’re excited to reintroduce our micro-lending program. Welcome to SMAL, the Startup & Mini Advancement Loan.
Meet Sol Refill
Pittsburgh’s First Zero-Waste Delivery Service
Sydney Shoff is the visionary behind Sol Refill, a low-waste delivery service that has been thriving since its 2021 launch. Sol Refill delivers pantry items and household goods directly to customers’ doors, using reusable containers to eliminate single-use plastics. Her business model not only makes sustainable living more accessible but also caters to a growing demand for environmentally conscious products and services.
The Journey to Success
When Sydney approached Invest PGH, her passion for sustainability was already clear. She had a business plan backed by her experience in small business management, communications, and marketing. But, like many startups, she needed a little more support to turn her vision into reality.
In December 2021, Sol Refill received a $30,000 Micro-Enterprise Loan from Invest PGH, which allowed Sydney to purchase the bulk inventory she would need, helped her to build her website, secured her a co-working space at Fulton Commons, and let her handle other essential startup costs with confidence.
With the financial and technical support of Invest PGH – and, of course, her own drive, smarts, and gumption – Sydney was able to introduce Sol Refill to the city of Pittsburgh. With the financial stability needed for her to be able to focus on operating her business without the pressure of high-interest debt, Sol Refill could scale gradually and, like the products it offers, sustainably.
Since then, Sol Refill has become a sought-after service in Pittsburgh, known for its commitment to reducing plastic and providing high-quality, zero-waste products. From household supplies to pantry staples, Sol Refill offers the city a diverse range of products for the eco-conscious.
Why SMAL Matters, Big Time
The success of Sol Refill is a testament to the hard work and innovative thinking that people like Sydney Shoff bring to the table, and to the impact that small, strategic investments can have on brilliant ideas and startups.
Our newly renamed SMAL program continues this mission by supporting entrepreneurs like Sydney, who have big ideas and the drive to make a real difference.
As we transition to the Startup & Mini Advancement Loan program, we invite those passionate, aspiring business owners to explore how SMAL can bring their big ideas to life. Whether you’re looking to launch a new venture or expand an existing labor of love, Invest PGH is here to support you every step of the way.
For Sydney Shoff and Sol Refill, a SMAL investment led to big impacts in the city we call home. Are you next?
