Announcing OurShop

YARD is launching a new retail testing program in partnership with partners at The College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation and the Kolar Experience Institute. The initiative is aimed at connecting local entrepreneurs with affordable retail space, while bridging community wants and needs with what’s possible in the marketplace. The initial OurShop program will activate two storefronts in Cincinnati’s College Hill neighborhood.

While OurShop is about connecting what the community wants and needs with what’s possible, the program is also being set up to document and measure the impact of placemaking and activation on retail sales and growth; ultimately informing regional investments in modern retail strategies, entrepreneurship ecosystems and commercial district operations along mixed-use main streets. 

The temporary program is accepting entrepreneur applications now and benefits to being selected include:

• A fully ‘whiteboxed’ storefront 

• WiFi

• Trash and recycling service

• Square point of sales systems

• Business mentorship support 

• Opportunity to learn about business vitals and sales

• Rent free space with only utility/operating costs

• Reduced lease term

• Tenant improvement funds 

The application for OurShop will be open until September 10th, with an estimated launch set for October. To apply, click here and to stay up-to-date on the initiative follow @ProvingWhatsPossible on Instagram and Facebook!