FrostburgFirst’s New Initiative: The Pop-Up Shop and Business Incubator Program

FrostburgFirst, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and business owners in Frostburg, Maryland is in the beginning stages of its new Pop-Up Shop and Business Incubator Program. The intention of the Pop-Up program is to stimulate small business growth in downtown Frostburg by aiding aspiring entrepreneurs as they seek to establish a small business.

FrostburgFirst will be helping successful applicants find a short-term location in Frostburg for their small business, whether it be in a vacant retail space or sharing a space with an existing business. Additionally, FrostburgFirst will provide a stipend to chosen entrepreneurs to help with start-up costs, including rent, materials, or marketing. The program will last for three months, with a soft opening occurring during the Spring Arts Walk on April 25, 2020, with the program concluding at the end of July 2020. The Pop-Up program aims to provide a low-risk opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a small business they are passionate about, with the ultimate goal being a sustainable, long-term business resulting from the program.

In its pilot year, FrostburgFirst received thirteen applications while two were submitted by Frostburg State students. After review of the applications, eleven proposals were chosen to move to the next stage of the process. The applicants chosen to move forward with their proposals will have the remainder of March to meet with the Small Business Development Center to make adjustments and develop their final pitches to the committee. The second week of April will feature public interviews and pitches from the top applicants where winners will be selected.

Deirdre Robertson, the Executive Director for FrostburgFirst, described the program as a way to show aspiring business owners that “it really is possible to open a business in Frostburg.” Seeking to enhance Frostburg’s downtown area, the Pop-Up program will allow chosen entrepreneurs a way to test their business model and see if it will work in Frostburg.

The Bottom Line will be providing updates of FrostburgFirst’s Pop-Up program as it progresses in the coming months.

For more information on FrostburgFirst, visit their website at www.downtownfrostburg.com.