Have you ever wanted to dip your toes into the retail business world without making a full-on commitment? Well, now’s your chance.
The Hermiston Downtown District, in partnership with the city of Hermiston, has started a business incubator space program on Main Street in which new or existing businesses can set up shop for a day to see if it’s right for them.
“We’ve had a few pop-up stores in the space so far – retail, bakeries, art and décor,” said Judy Currin-Pederson, owner of Lucky Endz Gifts on Main Street and board member of the Hermiston Downtown District.
The space was vacated when Goss Jewelers closed, and an agreement was worked out with the owner to allow it to be used as an incubator space. The first pop-up store was in December.
There is no cost to use the space, said Currin-Pederson. The district is currently taking applications from folks who would like to have the space for six months – all rent-free. The city is picking up the tab for the cost of the rent and utilities.
It’s essentially a risk-free opportunity to get a new business off the ground or to establish a home-based business in the downtown location.
Heather LaBeau, who works for the city and is also a district board member, said one of the biggest obstacles when starting up a new business is finding a location. If you’re lucky enough to find a great spot, then there is the rent or lease that can be cost-prohibitive to a new startup.
“This is one less thing to worry about,” said LaBeau.
“This is your opportunity if you’ve been dreaming about this,” said Currin-Pederson. “This could help make your dream come true.”
She said the district board will choose an applicant in July who will get the space for six months. Once those six months are up, another applicant will be chosen for the space.
The ultimate goal, said Currin-Pederson, is to attract more shops and shoppers to the downtown area.
“We want more businesses down here – more retail,” she said.
Even if applicants are not chosen for the six months of rent-free space, help is still available from the district, the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce, and Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s Business Resource Center.
“We’re all here to help at no cost,” said Currin-Pederson. “And there is so much experience on Main Street. There are a number of businesses that have been down here for years and we’re all happy to help.” Currin-Pederson has been running her business on Main Street for more than 20 years.
The size of the space is approximately 11,000 square feet – big enough for a variety of retail businesses.
“I wish I had this opportunity when I first started my business,” said Currin-Pederson.
For more information about the incubator space program, contact Currin-Pederson at 541-289-1112.
