Clarkston’s economy is anchored by social enterprises, non-profit organizations, and small multicultural businesses rather than large corporate headquarters.
* **Refuge Coffee Co.:** A highly notable non-profit coffee business that provides living-wage jobs, mentorship, and hospitality training to resettled refugees. * **Friends of Refugees:** A major local non-profit providing everything from community gardens to employment assistance and youth programs. * **New American Pathways:** While operating across the metro area, this organization has a massive footprint in Clarkston, driving local employment through its resettlement and educational services. * **Peace of Thread:** A non-profit employing vulnerable women to create artisan bags, operating as a notable local social enterprise.