Three budding business owners have been selected to take part in a rent-free storefront program to try out their concepts in the heart of Cincinnati’s College Hill neighborhood.
On Wednesday, the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation revealed the upcoming participants in the latest iteration of its longstanding OurShop College Hill program.
This participants in the fourth round of the program are:
- Exklusive Jewels, owned by Danielle Perdue
- Dahlia, owned by Melissa Wirth
- ManChild, Ltd., owned by David Thompson
The three selected businesses offer a diverse range of products not yet offered in the neighborhood: Mexican handmade accessories, life coaching, and fantasy art and board games.
Each of the businesses will operate a brick-and-mortar operation at 5846 Hamilton Ave. for at least the next six months with support from College Hill CURC.
To officially welcome the businesses, a formal grand opening celebration will take place Saturday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to noon.
“This program allows local entrepreneurs to get involved in the community and enriches the fabric of our business district,” Hannah Stanchfield, the nonprofit’s community relations manager.
Inspiring the next generation of College Hill business owners
Founded in 1975, College Hill CURC focuses on the revitalization of the neighborhood’s business district through real-estate development, small business support and community engagement.
The organization developed the OurShop program as a way to inspire local entrepreneurs to consider setting up brick-and-mortar operations in the neighborhood by reducing the risks involved with opening a storefront.
For this round of the program, College Hill CURC selected three winners to enjoy free retail space from August through January. Each of the selected businesses will also receive personalized mentorship, financial education classes, marketing assistance and the ability to take part in networking events.
There were more than 20 qualified applications from entrepreneurs looking to take part.
The OurShop initiative is a collaboration with the city of Cincinnati and the Kolar Experience Institute.
“This program embodies our commitment to fostering small businesses and building a stronger, more vibrant College Hill,” Stanchfield said.
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