THE GARAGES
Are you ready to bend the rules of traditional retail?
Discover a short-term high-visability retail incubator program
WHAT IS A “RETAIL INCUBATOR”?
The Garages are a rotating line-up of the city’s up-and-coming retail concepts. This one-of-a-kind program allows entrepreneurs to plan, build and develop new retail ideas in low risk, supportive space that fosters learning and growth. We provide the space, mentorship, and dedicated resources; you provide the must-see qualities that will grow your idea into a thriving street-level business.
OUR MISSION
Support entrepreneurs with unique retail-based business concepts that provide new or desired services and products to address demand from residents, employees and visitors. Ultimately, we aim to curate and support retail concepts that contribute to the overall vibrancy of Wichita, including talent retention, attraction, new businesses launching, job growth, and an increased success rate for startups past year one.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
The Garages are looking for fresh, innovative businesses not afraid to bend the rules of the traditional business model. The strongest applicants will have concepts that embrace new business ideas and the ability to thrive in the modern era. Above all, we’re looking for businesses that exemplify incredible design, regular activation, and exceptional offerings.
WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU RECEIVE?
$1,000 start-up investment
Tiered rent at
brick-and-mortar incubator
$500 professional services allowance
Customized mentorship team
“IN GETTING INTO AN INCUBATOR SPACE, YOUR BUSINESS’ EXPOSURE WILL SKY ROCKET. THE WORKROOM AND VIOLA’S PANTRY EXHIBITS A VAST CUSTOMER BASE, WHICH DIRECTLY INFLUENCED THE AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC YOU’D GET FOR YOUR BUSINESS DAILY.”
— HEATHER GIESEN, OWNER OF GROW GIESEN PLANT SHOP
SEE OUR TENANTS
WHAT TYPES OF BUSINESS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Apparel
Footwear
Home
Specialty Food
Markets
Pharmacies
Stationary
Books
Sporting Goods
Electronics
Jewelry
Vintage
Crafting
Toys/Hobbies
Reclamation
The following businesses are not eligible: bars, restaurants, financial services, offices, or any uses that do not allow for the sale of products or services to the general public. We retain discretion to consider stores that fall outside the above definition, but sell goods and serve a retail function for downtown that does not currently exist or is very limited. Additionally, as downtown adds new retailers with the above goods, DRA retains discretion to turn down applicants who provide goods already being sold in downtown or where no market demand is demonstrated.
“BEING ABLE TO TAP THE MINDS OF A MENTOR BOARD IS EXTREMELY VALUABLE. MANY OF THE BOARD MEMBERS OWN MULTIPLE BUSINESSES ON THEIR OWN OR WORK IN AN INDUSTRY THAT WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT YOU IN YOUR BUSINESS VENTURE.”
— HEATHER GIESEN, OWNER OF GROW GIESEN PLANT SHOP
ONGOING REQUIREMENTS
As a Pop Up Retail business, your company agrees to maintain an active business, occupy agreed on space, and remain in good standing with property management. Businesses will participate regular business check-ins, and provide business profile information (including employees, space investments, traffic counts and revenue) to help inform as to the need for and benefit of its assistance for the purpose of building small businesses in the Wichita.
The Garages are committed to engage with companies to facilitate foundation and growth as a small business beyond the incubator term to expand, support and encourage retail presences in the Wichita core.
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Program Partners
*Financed in part through ARPA funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the City of Wichita