Medford launches new retail pop-up incubator program
Project: Pop-Up Medford, will offer a temporary storefront at 68 High St. in Medford Square, giving business owners the chance to pilot their products in a brick-and-mortar setting.
The following was submitted by the city of Medford:
The City of Medford’s Economic Development Department, in collaboration with business consulting company UpNext, is launching a new program to support local entrepreneurs by providing access to retail space to test their business ventures and strengthen the city’s vibrant retail district.
The initiative, called Project: Pop-Up Medford, will offer a temporary storefront at 68 High St. in Medford Square, giving business owners the chance to pilot their products in a brick-and-mortar setting. The pop-up retail shop will run from May through July 15, 2025.
Selected entrepreneurs will have access to a rent-free space and business development resources aimed at helping them succeed in a retail environment.
Through its U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant funds, the City of Medford will provide the commercial space easing the financial burden of launching a temporary storefront.
The city welcomes applications from Medford residents who operate a microenterprise, a business with fewer than five employees, and have a household income of 80% or less of the area median income. Ideal candidates are motivated entrepreneurs, artists, crafters, and makers who can take advantage of this limited time opportunity.
For more details program eligibility, visit the city’s program webpage.
Interested applicants should visit UpNext’s webpage to learn more and apply. Selected applicants will be required to submit documentation to verify eligibility for the program.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but, for full benefit of the program, applications submitted and verified before May 15 will have access to the full lease at the storefront.
The City of Medford’s Office of Planning, Sustainability, and Development is available to answer any questions potential applicants may have. Please contact Kayla Myros, Economic Development Planner, at kmyros@medford-ma.gov or 781-393-2480.
This program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) CDBG program. All grants under this program are subject to the availability of CDBG funding from HUD and the continued eligibility of the city to receive such funds.
