Retail business incubator heating up
Several new shops are planned for the historic downtown.
New retail businesses might band together under the protective and nurturing umbrella of Main Street Bartow to take advantage of an “incubator” program.
Main Street Bartow’s Director Mikel Dorminy told the Community Redevelopment Agency, at Wednesday’s meeting, that the city might welcome new business owners as soon as mid-July, or at the latest, during August.
While nothing is yet set in stone, an upscale consignment shop; a skateboard wear and accessories shop; a unique, upscale and eclectic gift shop, a pet boutique; a kitchenware/item store; and a wood working and custom furniture store were all cited as prospective businesses in the incubator’s proposal.
The proposal reads that incubator-based shops will offer an “upscale shopping experience, with unique products and/or special attention which will draw customers back.”
The CRA recently pitched in $6,000 for signage and to paint and spruce up the first floor of the Stuart Building and $12,500, exclusively for rent, at Wednesday’s meeting.
CRA Executive Director Jim Duane said there was “great interest” for the incubator program and the CRA was willing to “give it a try to see if it will work.”
Fledgling businesses will be limited to three years at the incubator, at a reduced rent rate that will increase with time. Downtown Bartow will provide a supportive environment and a smooth transition toward owning a stand-alone, downtown business.
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