Downtown Pop-up Program

• $15,000 retail grants available for small businesses

• 3-6 month retail pop-up opportunities

• Program will transform vacant storefronts in Downtown St. Louis

The Downtown St. Louis Pop-Up Retail Program is an initiative by Greater St. Louis, Inc., with support from the St. Louis Development Corporation. The program is designed to provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with an opportunity to activate pop-up retail shops in vacant Downtown St. Louis storefronts.

Pop-Up Program Goals

We want to bring businesses to Downtown St. Louis and contribute to the resurgence in St. Louis’ urban core. The program seeks to find a range of concepts — from restaurants to clothing stores, gift boutiques, art galleries, and more — to transform vacant storefronts into vibrant, activated spaces and:

• Create an atmosphere to drive business development and permanent occupancy
• Provide opportunities for start-up retailers to occupy and activate vacant storefronts
• Encourage local entrepreneurship
• Broaden business opportunities by reducing barriers of entry (subsidized rents and startup costs)
• Increase street vibrancy, safety, and economic health through active storefronts

We Want You to Start Up in Downtown St. Louis

By filling vacant storefronts with high-quality pop-up retail ventures, the Downtown St. Louis Pop-Up Retail Program seeks to support existing local merchants with increased foot traffic, improve streetscape conditions and safety, and create additional reasons to experience Downtown. Support for businesses: Those selected will be supported by Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Economic Development Corporation to solidify budget and plans for each space. Site Selection: Participants will be matched with available spaces. Most spaces range from 1,500 - 2,500 square feet. Installing fixtures, equipment, and materials will be subject to approval by each property owner, as set forth in the lease agreement.

Lease Agreement: Once the project budget and plans have been approved, each project participant will sign an agreement for a 3-6-month commitment with the property owner. The final lease agreement will be negotiated and signed by the participants and the property owner. Funds will be dispersed as monthly reimbursable grants upon receipt of approved expenses, and the participant will follow the agreed-upon business concept and hours of operation.

How to Qualify for the Grant

Propose New Idea: Companies selling retail merchandise and/or providing an experiential service not currently available in Downtown St. Louis will have a greater chance of acceptance. Applicants should explain how their idea will fit a gap in the market.

Show Commitment to Downtown St. Louis: We are looking for companies to enhance the streetscape and social environment of the surrounding area. Applicants should propose concepts that appeal broadly to a diverse customer base, complement neighboring businesses, and provide memorable experiences for customers and window shoppers.

Partner to Promote Downtown Retail: Greater St. Louis, Inc. will collaborate with grant recipients to spotlight pop-up retailers through downtownstl.org, a weekly newsletter, social media, and potential events (such as a boutique crawl).

Reimbursable Expenses

• Monthly Rent (Activation can range from 3 - 6 months, with the potential for extended occupancy)
• Utility Costs
• Labor
• Materials (furniture, paint, signage) for the space
• Maintenance of the space during occupancy
• General liability insurance
• Public events within the space
• Overall implementation of a pop-up environment

Evaluation Criteria

• Creativity and uniqueness of proposed concept
• Relevant experience with the proposed concept
• Credibility of business plan and budget
• Compatibility and synergy of proposed concept with neighboring businesses
• Experience managing a project of the proposed scale and budget
• Potential for large foot traffic impact
• Activation of the storefront at night

Storefront Content and Maintenance

Storefronts can be gallery spaces, experiential services, retail ventures, or any combination thereof. Activation of the storefront facade and interior space that creates a presence both during the day and at night is strongly desired.

Project participants will be responsible for maintaining their storefront project and should include such expenses in their budget. All projects must be removable and temporary, leaving no permanent adverse effect on the storefront facade or interior space.

How to Apply

Interested retailers and entrepreneurs should send an introductory email to Clayton Geenen at Greater St. Louis, Inc., clayton@greaterstlinc.com, and include the following:

1. Proposed pop-up concept
2. Current business operations
3. Ideal square footage required for your business
4. Preferred location for the pop-up (if already known)

If it is determined that the applicant is a potential fit for this program, applicants will be asked to submit an official application and additional supplemental documentation.