Retail Business Pop- Up Program

SHELBYVILLE MAINSTREET

RETAIL BUSINESS POP-UP PROGRAM

THE PROPOSAL

  To offer potential business operators a reduced cost lease for vacant storefronts in the downtown Shelbyville trade area during 2013.

    The opportunity will be offered through an application process which may be obtained from the Mainstreet Shelbyville office. Businesses will be selected based on their appeal of their product mix for downtown shoppers, how well their concept works in synergy with current full-time tenants, their ability to add excitement to the downtown atmosphere through in-store events, promotions, and the quality of their window displays.

  Stores selling the following products will be given careful consideration:
• Gifts/decoration
• Home goods and accessories
• Specialty food
• Arts and culture related items
• Women’s clothing
• Men’s clothing

  Mainstreet Shelbyville will promote the location/locations and hours of operation in conjunction with advertising and marketing of downtown events. These short term tenants will agree to be open certain hours which will include daytime and possible evening hours at least one day per week.

THE GOAL

  The goal is threefold.
• To support our current downtown retailers and restaurants by bringing in quality retailers to enhance downtown Shelbyville as a retail destination.
• To take the downtown atmosphere to another level and eliminate one vacant storefront.
• To develop long term lease prospects for the spaces.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

  Program participants will sign a legal document which stipulates the terms of space use requirements and wherein they agree to return the space to its original or improved condition. Participants shall comply with insurance requirements as stipulated by the City of Shelbyville, Indiana State Law, and the landlord.

THE FINANCIALS

  Program participants shall sign a reduced cost lease with the landlord which could be either long term or short term. Lease payments will be $500.00/month. Program participants will also pay the monthly electricity payments as well as a portion of the monthly heating costs. Expenses such as telephone costs, computer costs, credit card processing and display shelving, if needed, will be the responsibility of program participants.
Download the Application

The Downtown Location

• Lower rents: compared to a strip mall location, which lack character and foot traffic, rent is generally lower in the downtown.
• Foot traffic: Festivals, Farmers Market, events at the renovated Strand Theatre bring tens of thousands of people to the sidewalk outside your storefront on an almost daily basis.
• Investment: Recent streetscape investments, with additional improvements to be phased in; Way finding signs program directing visitors toward the historic downtown.
• Recent designation of the downtown as an arts district.
• Currently about 750 people employed in the downtown, within a short walking distance to your storefront.
• The Downtown Public Square is a free Wi-Fi Hot Spot.

Financial Incentives

• Facade Grant Program for exterior building improvements.
• Additional assistance with building improvements: Mainstreet offers design assistance, help with the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit.
• Tax abatements for improvements to a vacant building.
• Recent designation of the downtown as an arts district.
• Financing: Assistance navigating the Small Business Recovery Act loans, SBDC and SBA loans and programs.
• Co-op marketing opportunities with the Downtown Business Association and vibrant “Buy Local” campaign.