Canada’s first-ever TikTok SmallBiz Pop-Up was recently launched at Union Station in Toronto.
TikTok has become the go-to destination for small businesses to boost their brand visibility, with 82 per cent of users discovering brands on the platform before anywhere else. Through the SmallBiz Pop-up, visitors will be able to shop from some of their favourite TikTok SMBs in real life for the very first time and experience the action on the app using the hashtag #SmallBizPopUp.
The pop-up will be running until December 31.
Joshua Bloom, GM, Global Business Solutions, TikTok Canada, said “TikTok has emerged as the go-to platform for small businesses to be discovered, empowering them to share their products not only with Canadians, but with over a billion people around the world – driving real-world impact for businesses.”
“That’s why we’re excited to be bringing to life the TikTok SmallBiz Pop-Up, Presented by TD, where Torontonians will be able to check out these small businesses as they pass through Union Station. And as part of the program, we’re proud to be offering free resources to entrepreneurs across the country to empower them and help them reach their goals.”
The goal is to create a one-of-a-kind opportunity for brands who grew their business on TikTok to be provided with a physical retail space, allowing them the chance to be connected with their consumers in real time. Participating businesses include: Oven Theory, Street Brew Coffee, Dandylion, CelineGlow and Our Haru.
Additionally, as part of the SMB Pop-up, presented by TD, TikTok has introduced the SmallBiz Talks Series, a webinar-style program designed to help Canadian entrepreneurs leverage TikTok to grow their brands. Anyone interested can register here.
Meet the pop-up residents:
Dandylion: Carolyn Chen is the founder of Dandylion, a dog care brand inspired by her 13-year-old Cockapoo’s chronic skin issues. Dandylion is disrupting the dog grooming industry with innovative and healthier dog grooming essentials.
“Participating in this TikTok SmallBiz Pop-Up allows Dandylion to connect with our community in a truly meaningful way. While we engage with dog parents online every day, this initiative gives us the chance to meet them in person, fostering a deeper connection and building community offline. For us, it’s essential to hear directly from our customers about what they love, areas where we can improve, and what new solutions they want to see from us.
“When I first launched Dandylion, I spent time interviewing over 100 dog parents to understand their needs, which became the foundation of our mission to bring healthier, more convenient grooming options to pet families. This pop-up is an extension of that same commitment, offering a unique way for us to continue learning, engaging, and bringing dog parents the products that make their lives easier.
“This pop-up represents an exciting new chapter for Dandylion. It brings us one step closer to making our products more accessible to dog parents everywhere, especially during the busy holiday season when convenience is key. The pop-up also provides a valuable opportunity to test the in-person shopping experience and see firsthand how dog parents respond to interacting with our products in a physical setting. Being able to show up for our community in this way not only deepens our relationship with existing customers but also helps us welcome new families into the Dandylion community, making this a very special initiative for us.”
Our Haru: Chaewon Kim is a Toronto-based Korean artist and the founder of a unique pet store inspired by her muse, Haru. She curates aesthetic, modern and high-quality products from independent designers and small brands in South Korea, offering carefully selected items for both pets and their owners.
“This pop-up is a meaningful way for Our Haru to connect with pet lovers who appreciate thoughtful design and quality. It’s important because it allows us to showcase Korean craftsmanship and share our passion for creating special experiences with pets, highlighting products designed with love and intention.
“For us, this pop-up is more than a display. It’s a celebration of the bond we cherish with our furry baby and a chance to create meaningful moments with those who feel the same. It’s also a chance to celebrate our growing community, strengthen our brand presence, and introduce people to a different approach to pet products—one that emphasizes style, quality, and the special bond we share with our pets.”
Oven Theory: Timothy Cho is the owner of Oven Theory, a Mississauga commissary kitchen bakery that specializes in Asian-inspired cupcakes that are light, fluffy and not too sweet. Apart from the traditional overly-rich counterparts, there is a delicate focus to uphold the subtle sweetness often inherited in Asian baking. His mission is to create premium cupcakes that are perfect for sharing, allowing opportunities for people to come together and celebrate many of life’s achievements and celebrations.
“I think this is very important to have this initiative ‒ having a small business can be challenging to reach customers. Through TikTok and the SmallBiz Pop-Up, presented by TD, gives me the chance to connect with more people in person and grow.
“The fact that I quit my job in February of this year ‒ there was a lot of risk in doing that. I’m able to share my story and encourage people to go after their dreams. A nine to five job was not necessarily my passion, but going after something I cared about so deeply allowed me to find another purpose for my own life.”
Street Brew Coffee: Caitlin Campbell is the co-founder of Street Brew Coffee, a social enterprise specialty coffee company that aims to connect with coffee lovers and help those experiencing homelessness in the city. In addition to making coffee, Caitlin also creates videos on TikTok teaching people to make coffee better and documenting her journey as a small business owner.
“We have our coffee trailer that operates at farmers’ markets and we closed down for the winter so this initiative gives another opportunity for our customers to find us and connect in person. Through this initiative, we make connections that start from a screen to meeting in person ‒ creating that human element.
“TikTok supports small businesses, giving them an opportunity to elevate these local companies. It provides an opportunity to expand beyond my digital business to a coffee trailer, and now an in-person retail experience. It shows that when you have an idea that you are passionate about and you work hard, you can really see it grow.”
Sunday Glow: Founded by Celine Guo, Sunday Glow offers personalized Asian skincare subscription box, offering expertly curated products tailored to individual skin needs for a monthly ritual of self-care and transformation. Since creating the brand in 2020, Celine has scaled it into a seven-figure business within just two years. On TikTok, Celine has built a vibrant community, sharing her journey and inspiring others along the way. Beyond skincare, she champions women’s empowerment, inspiring thousands worldwide to pursue their dreams, embrace inner beauty and cultivate lasting confidence.
“Our participation in this pop-up is deeply meaningful for us because it allows us to connect with our community in such a genuine and personal way. At Sunday Glow, our mission goes beyond skincare; it’s about building relationships and empowering our customers to feel their best.
“Being able to interact face-to-face, hear their stories, and share the passion behind our products makes the experience truly special. This opportunity also allows us to amplify brand awareness and introduce Sunday Glow to an even wider audience. It’s a chance for people to experience the essence of our brand firsthand—the craftsmanship, care, and intentionality that goes into everything we do. Engaging directly with our community in real life is invaluable, and we’re grateful for moments like these to foster deeper connections and grow together.”
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