Findlay Market is opening applications for the Findlay Launch Storefront Accelerator Program.
The yearlong residency aims to give small business owners a leg up in their journey to expanding into a brick-and-mortar space. It does so by providing mentorship, industry connections and a short-term lease in a fully built-out, operating storefront.
Past graduates include the likes of Empanada’s Box, which recently celebrated the grand opening of its second brick-and-mortar location since graduating in 2022. The owners of Chacabanas, a Cuban restaurant that graduated from the Launch program in June of this year, advocate for the program as well.
“The program’s storefront restaurant, generously supported by donors, provided us with a low-risk environment to refine our concept — without the burden of covering the buildout costs for the space,” said Chacabanas co-owners, Helen Ortega and Alex Peralta. “We deeply appreciate the chance we’ve had, and even as we anticipate our move, we’ll forever remain connected to the Findlay community.”
Participants this year will set up shop at 1811 Elm St., near the center of the Market District in Over-the-Rhine. The application period closes on Friday, Jan. 10.
Goal of the program
The program design of Findlay Launch focuses on providing food entrepreneurs with the space and support to get to their needed proof of concept more quickly or to fail fast.
This program, the first of its kind in the region, especially focuses on BIPOC-, women- and immigrant-owned businesses as potential residents.
In order to qualify for the accelerator, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have been in business for at least one year
- Have a business plan
- Sign an 11-month lease agreement
- Demonstrate the ability to cover monthly rent, utilities and common area fees
- Ability to fulfill required minimum hours of operation
- Must have earned ServSafe Food Safety Manager certification (or equivalent)
Findlay Launch Storefront Accelerator Application
Discover more from Movers & Makers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.