The City of Medford’s Economic Development Department, in collaboration with business consulting company UpNext, is launching a new program to support local entrepreneurs by providing access to retail space to test their business ventures and strengthen the City’s vibrant retail district.
Donor Name: City of Medford
State: Massachusetts
City: Medford
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: All Time
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The initiative, called Project: Pop-Up Medford, will offer a temporary storefront at 68 High Street in Medford Square, giving business owners the chance to pilot their products in a brick-and-mortar setting. Selected entrepreneurs will have access to a rent-free space and business development resources aimed at helping them succeed in a retail environment.
Through its U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant funds, the City of Medford will provide the commercial space easing the financial burden of launching a temporary storefront.
Program Benefits
Participants of Project: Pop-Up Medford will have access to the following:
- Physical Space & Resources
- 670 SF of turnkey retail space at 68 High Street
- Fully paid rent and utilities, including Wi-Fi
- Flexible fixtures, furniture for set-up, and signage
- Retail set-up for a maximum of three-months
- A shared store space with multiple entrepreneurs
- The Pop-Up Playbook—an online course for how to run a great pop-up shop
- Pop-in Strategy—a mini-course on increasing revenue & offsetting rent costs
- Retail marketing foundations and a social media launch calendar
- Stipend to support business activities, like staffing, operations, marketing, compensation, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Microenterprise: An Applicant’s business must have 5 or fewer Full Time Equivalent employees, including the owner(s)
- Residency: The owner of an Applicant business must be a Medford resident
- Ideal Categories Include:
- Independent brands and retailers, photographers, artists, makers, galleries and other unique cultural or bespoke experiences. Entrepreneurial and forward-thinking concepts encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit City of Medford.
