MADISON, Wis. — A new proposal from city leaders would give small-scale business owners a chance to bring their products straight to State Street.
The Madison Pop-Up Shop Initiative, announced Tuesday by Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, would take vacant storefronts in Madison and turn them into pop-up shops, with an emphasis on supporting businesses owned by folks from historically marginalized communities.
Rhodes-Conway said the new initiative would simultaneously help grow BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) businesses and help the revitalize Madison’s storefronts in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is ideal for new or smaller businesses because of the lower cost and risk, which can help open doors for historically marginalized entrepreneurs,” Rhodes-Conway said. “Popup shops bring in new foot traffic and can help current brick and mortar retail in the area as well.”
According to a news release, the initiative would create a collaboration between the city, JD McCormick Properties and local business groups that support BIPOC entrepreneurs.
JD McCormick Properties owns two storefronts on State Street that would be available for retailers looking to set up shop in high-traffic areas.
“Exposure is key for businesses, and these lower cost short term leases make it easier for them to establish a presence without the long term obligations that traditional 3-5 year lease agreements requires,” said Saran Ouk, Office of Business Resources Manager for the City, “It’s a model that benefits the business, the landlord and the community.”
The proposal is scheduled to be introduced at a Common Council meeting Tuesday night, with a vote scheduled for June 1. Those interested in participating should contact Saran Ouk at souk@cityofmadison.com.
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