EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH POP-UP MKE!

Pop-Up retail shops are a great way to build your business and test your products. Apply today for a low overhead, low risk way to generate buzz for your business.

Apply Now

BENEFITS FOR SELECTED BUSINESS OWNERS:

Receive access to commercial Pop-Up retail space at a fraction of the market rate. A program fee of $400-$500/month will cover rent, internet, permitting, and utilities for the space.

Partner with local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to cross promote your business, and build relationships within one of three of Milwaukee’s historic commercial corridors.

Access a white-boxed and turn-key retail space with minimal build-out needed.

Take advantage of a short-term, flexible commitment to test your business product or to advance your business in a physical space. Selected businesses will activate a pop-up shop for 1-3 months.

Receive mini grants of up to $1,000 that can be used for business marketing expenses. A few examples would include:
• Window displays
• Signage
• Website design
• Print advertising/ marketing materials
• Social Media Coaching/ Management
• PR Coaching

Gain business support and technical assistance throughout the Pop Up MKE initiative that includes an assessment, business education workshops, access to an online business support portal, and access to resources to advance your business.

Next Round of Applications will open on January 6, 2020

Requirements: Businesses selected will meet the following minimum requirements. The business owner must:

Demonstrate access to capital needed to open their business (inventory, point of sale systems, displays, etc.)
Be prepared to occupy a storefront for a 45 day, 60 day, or 90 day period between September – December 2019
Agree to provide clear and consistent business hours for the operation of their business. A minimum of 25 hours per week will be required.
Gives Pop-Up MKE permission to promote the business as part of the program. This includes the use of photos and testimony in promotional materials.
Secure business insurance and a seller’s permit prior to occupying a storefront in the program.

Apply Today

WHERE ARE THE POP-UP RETAIL SPACES LOCATED?

Business owners will be matched with a pop-up retail shop that best supports their business goals. These are temporary, short-term retail sites within three of Milwaukee’s historic commercial corridors. Business owners will begin to develop relationships with a community of business owners who are working collectively to build strong retail corridors.

Beloved Masterpieces, Past Pop-Up MKE Participant

Martin Luther King Jr. Drive BID

Since its inception in 1992, the BID’s mission has been to improve the King Drive District by fostering a culture that enjoys a trendy and authentic retail experience while attracting businesses who embrace the commitment to hard work and strong character that the area was founded on. And so far, expectations have been exceeded. In the past 15 years there has been over $400 million of new development in the BID. This type of success can only be achieved in a collaborative effort by people who believe in King Drive and each other.

Monash Natural Blends, Past Pop-Up MKE Participant

Cesar E. Chavez Drive BID

Located on the City’s near South Side, the Chavez Drive commercial corridor is surrounded by two of Milwaukee’s oldest neighborhoods – Walker Square and Clarke Square. The commercial district comprises roughly six blocks of what was historically S. 16th Street. The area embraces traditions both old and new in an ongoing effort to enhance the Drive’s thriving arts, culture, and shopping opportunities. The Drive is named in honor of the activist and labor leader, Cesar E. Chavez. It is home to a variety of traditional Mexican restaurants, shops offering Latin inspired apparel, health and beauty services for men and women, prominent public art installations, and stores featuring unique culturally significant items. Chavez Drive proudly offers an abundance of choices for families who want more than the traditional shopping experience. It is home to the region’s largest and most well-known Latin supermarket, El Rey Foods. Cesar Chavez Drive has become Milwaukee’s (and Southeastern Wisconsin’s) Latin cultural, artistic, and shopping capital. Come experience the “can-do” attitude that is encapsulated by Cesar Chavez’s famous saying, “¡Sí Se Puede!

Basia Rose, Past Pop-Up MKE Participant

Market Place BID32

North Avenue Marketplace Business Improvement District (BID) 32 was developed to create a viable and sustainable commercial corridor that supports local entrepreneurs, engages current business owners, reduces blight, promotes job growth, advances environmental sustainability and encourages local, regional or national businesses to locate to the community. The BID’s boundaries are North Avenue from 8th to 27th Streets and Fond du Lac Avenue from 17th to 27th Streets. Because of its location, it is a natural fit to focus its goals on business practices that targets healthy neighborhood lifestyles. The Fondy Farmers Market, Walnut Way CDC and Conservation Corp, Johnson Park and Alice’s Garden are all with-in the BID’s Commercials Corridor and is also home to YMCA and several community medical clinics that further support the mission of a viable community and “health-full” living.