Create incentive programs, such as a Small Business Development Program, to attract small businesses to vacant storefronts. 

 

Our office has been collaborating with OEWD to create a Small Business Development program over the last year. In recent months, both our office and OEWD have been working with two organizations: Pop-Up Shop-Up and Assembly. Both organizations are focused on creating pop-up retail in underutilized spaces.

 

We will be working with a property owner on Taraval Street to partner with Pop-Up Shop-Up and Assembly to create a pop-up retail market. A pop-up market is a temporary retail establishment that provides small businesses an opportunity to sell their products without opening a brick and mortar store.

 

There are many benefits for new businesses to participate in a temporary market. First, it can be more affordable, especially if several new businesses partner to occupy the same space. It is a short-term commitment, usually only open for a fixed period of time. Pop-ups also draw attention and can bring new customers to an area who may have not visited before.

 

We are currently in the process of identifying a space to open the pop-up market and will be announcing to the community as soon as our plans are solidified.