September 1, 2017

Dear Pop-Up Cincinnati Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the City of Cincinnati’s neighborhood pop-up program. We are beyond excited to expand our pop-up program for up-and-coming artists, makers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to come together with local property owners to fill vacant storefronts and activate our neighborhood business districts.

This pop-up program is a big part of the City of Cincinnati’s Department of Community and Economic Development’s Small Business Strategy. We believe that a pop-up program will give those of you who have had trouble finding accessible, affordable, and flexible spaces a way to create, expand, and nurture your small business with relatively low risk.

We are looking for people who are passionate about what they do. The City of Cincinnati wants to highlightthe great retail opportunities in neighborhoods throughout Cincinnati.

Let’s make Cincinnati retail POP!

Thank you,

Department of Community and Economic Development

Two Centennial Plaza | 805 Central Avenue, Suite 700 | Cincinnati, OH 45202

(O) 513-352-6146

Pop-up Cincinnati Program Application

Are you interested in opening a storefront in one of Cincinnati’s Neighborhood Business Districts?

If so, we want to hear from you. Pop-up Cincinnati’s aim is to be as flexible as possible. The applicant selected will occupy a storefront located at 1612 Cedar Avenuefrom October 15, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The applicant will have the option to continue the lease following the Pop-up Cincinnati lease term directly with the building owner. The City of Cincinnati can provide a grant of up to $1000 to the selected applicant(s). The grant is intended to offset the cost of rent for selected applications and will be for non-structural interior modification (ex: paint, carpeting/rugs, lighting, etc.), general maintenance and cleaning, signage, accessory lighting, and window displays.

All applicants must fill out the following information to the best of their ability in order to be considered as a participant in the Pop-up Cincinnati program. Please feel free to use a format of your choosing when submitting your application. However, please answer the questions below in a similar order.

Application Checklist:

 Brief Business Plan

 Simple Operating Budget

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General Information

Individual(s) Name:

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Business Details

Business Name:

Email:

Phone:

Address (if applicable):

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Brief Business Description (3 sentences):______

______

Additional business Information(please include the following):

  • History (i.e. how long has it been in existence, have you ever had a storefront)
  • Product, service, purpose, goods, etc.(we encourage photos …the more info the better!)
  • Other Relevant Information
  • staffing, inventory, sales history, etc.)
  • Relevant experience
  • Links to social media feeds

Please describe why this opportunity is right foryou:

______

What amenities do you requirein the space (wifi, sink, etc.)? ______

How many square feet of space do you require? ______

The program will require that the participant be responsible for all shop equipment and furnishing. Are you prepared to do this? ______

______

Are you available to occupy and open your shop by October 15th, 2017? ______

______

Have you ever participated in a pop-up program? If so, please share your experience. ______

______

Do you have any concerns about the opening or operational requirements of this program?______

______

Cincinnati Pop-up Program Timeline:

Friday,September 1, 2017: Application Released

Friday, September 22, 2017: Deadline for Cincinnati Pop-up ProgramApplication

Week of October 2, 2017: Interviews Conducted with Top Applicants

Friday, October 6, 2017: Winning Applicant(s)Announced

Sunday, October 15, 2017:Winning Applicant(s) Can Officially Move into Space

Participants should expect to open no later than October15, 2017.

ParticipantRequirements:

Once selected as a participantyou will be required to have the following:

Active State of Ohio business license upon store opening()

Current liability insurance per City of Cincinnati and Landlord Requirements

Selected applicant(s) may choose to use a portion of the grant funds provided by the City of Cincinnati to cover fees associated with the licensing and liability insurance coverage

Program Guidelines:

Once selected as a participant you will be required to operate under the following guidelines:

Program Participants will be responsible for maintenance of their storefront project.

Program Participants are required to utilize the window facades to market their business throughout the duration of their pop-up event.

Program Participants agree to stay open during required business hours and participate in Pop Up events.

  • Minimum of four weekdays, six hours a day.
  • Minimum of two evenings each weekuntil 7pm.

Program Participants are encouraged to organize an event to promote themselves and other participants.

The Cincinnati Pop-Up Program lease term will beOctober15, 2017 through December 31, 2017(Business owners will be required to negotiate lease terms with property owners)

Evaluation Criteria:

Timely submitted proposals shall be evaluated based on the assessment of:

  • Potential to activate the corridor via storefront display, business hours, and product offerings
  • Completeness of application
  • The soundness of the applicants business plan and operating budget
  • The applicant(s) whose needs matches the available space most effectively

Applications should be submitted via email as follows:

  • To the attention of Eric Denson at
  • Email as PDF, with all supporting documentation
  • Applicants should submit applications by midnight on Friday, September 22, 2017
  • Please contact Eric Densonat r by phone at 513.352.4981 with questions.

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