Downtown Delaware, a program of the Delaware Economic Development Office announced a rent-free holiday retail initiative intended to increase business activity and reduce downtown vacancies. This program is supported by funds from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Project Pop-Up is designed to provide several Delaware entrepreneurs an opportunity to be “open for business” in select downtowns by offering commercial space, rent-free for three months during the 2012 holiday season.
The success of the business in this temporary location may lead the entrepreneur to commit to a long long-term lease. Spaces are available in currently vacant properties in Dover, Middletown, Milford and Wilmington. (For details and photos visit: www.dedo.delaware.gov/popup.)
“We encourage fledgling business owners, new entrepreneurs and existing entrepreneurs that may be interested in locating in a downtown location to complete an application,” said Diane Laird, DEDO state coordinator for Downtown Delaware. “The anticipated community support of these businesses will contribute to the entrepreneur’s success while providing the community with appropriate and sustainable retailers and/or service providers.”
Applications will be accepted from small business owners through Saturday, September 15, 2012. A panel of representatives from DEDO, USDA, and participating Main Street towns will review applications to select the best qualified applicant for each space.
At least one business owner will be selected for each participating town and will be notified by Sept. 24. In preparation for opening the business, winners will participate in a one‐on‐one consultation with a business coach between September 26 and October 3 to better ensure likelihood of a successful launch of the business by October 15, and then continued operation of the business.
For additional details visit www.dedo.delaware.gov/popup.
