WAKEFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Through “Project: Pop-Up,” local small businesses have a chance to set up a temporary shop in Wakefield, Mass.
UpNext has partnered with the town to offer a 600 sq. ft. shared retail space at 243 North Ave., which will give small businesses a chance to test out having their own store for four months. Thanks to grant funding, utilities will be included, and the small businesses will only have to pay $100 per month in rent.
“[It’s a chance to] really try out their model of business and see if it will be successful for a brick-and-mortar. The stakes are a lot lower,” said Erin Kokinda, Wakefield Town Planning and Community Development Director.
“Project: Pop-Up” started as a pilot in Needham back in 2021 but continues to expand, having now offered retail space in roughly a dozen Mass. communities. Kokinda said it provides the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to grow their business without risking financial collapse.
“Anything we can do to support local entrepreneurs from Wakefield, I think, means the world, especially in my position, to give opportunities to see if they can make it in their own community,” said Kokinda.
Kokinda said there had been roughly 20 applications for the Wakefield “Project: Pop-Up” as of Monday morning. The first small businesses approved are expected to move in on Oct. 1.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.