• Are ready to grow your retail business to brick-and-mortar
• Do not currently own or operate a storefront
• Offer shelf-ready retail products that are different from what’s already found in Downtown Frederick
• Only need a small area to operate (each participating business will have approximately 10 ft x 8 ft of dedicated display space)
• Can commit to working in the store at least 12 hours per week
  • Participating businesses are required to staff the shop and be open during set hours of operation:
    • Friday – Saturday (11am-7pm)
    • Sunday (11am-5pm)
  • Store hours may change seasonally
  • The shop will be open extended hours on the First Saturday of each month (11am-8pm), Frederick @ Night (Friday, Nov 13 from 11am-8pm), Frosty Friday (Friday, Nov 27 from 9am-9pm), each of the first three Saturdays in December (Saturday, Dec 5, 12 & 19 from11am-8pm), Love Local Tour (Tuesday, Dec 8 from 5-8pm) and occasionally for other special events in Downtown Frederick
  • SOUL Street will work with participants to devise a coverage schedule that best accommodates all participating businesses while ensuring the shop is open for the identified hours
  • In addition to staffing the shop, participating businesses will be required to manage the store’s website and social media accounts (a shared responsibility between all participants), attend trainings, meet with the managing partners, and meet with other participating businesses on a regular basis
  • The total weekly commitment is expected to be approximately 12 hours per week, but this may fluctuate (just like in the real world of retail)
• Are welcoming, customer-service oriented and willing to share space with two other businesses (it is Three’s Co., after all!)
• Are motivated and driven to take advantage of the training, networking, guidance and additional opportunities provided by Downtown Frederick Partnership and SOUL Street (we’re here to help!)

• Retail experience is a plus – but this program is built for retail businesses that do not already own or operate a storefront
• Businesses that will help broaden the mix of products, experiences and ownership represented in Downtown Frederick
• Entrepreneurs from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply – we especially welcome applications from historically underrepresented business owners, including (but not limited to) American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, Black or African American, Biracial, Hispanic or Latino, Middle Eastern, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, People of Color, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans
• Must be a legally registered business entity in Maryland
• Must be in Good Standing with the State of Maryland
• At least one owner must be 18+ years of age (co-ownership is allowed)
• Selected participants will be required to complete a background check

At this time, the program is not accepting applications from:

• Food or beverage businesses (including shelf-stable food and beverage products)
• Service-based businesses
• Franchises, MLM, or similar business models
• Businesses or brands that already operate a brick-and-mortar location

• Retail readiness and creativity of proposed business
• Compatibility and synergy with other incubator participants
• Expanding the diversity of ownership and offerings in Downtown Frederick
• Business history / concept
• Demonstrated commitment to pay rent and participate in the incubator for entire year-long program
• Willingness to work in the shop for entire year-long program

• Central retail location – located at 22 S Market St, participants will share a 350-square-foot suite with street-level access inside the historic Federated Charities building
• Affordable rental rates – each participant will pay $300 per month for their 1-year incubator term (plus minimal permitting fees, as required by the City of Frederick)
• Turnkey operations – the space is ready and waiting for you… just bring your products and get ready to sell
• Hands-on retail experience – incubator participants will learn what it’s like to operate a brick-and-mortar store for an entire year
• Supportive environment to grow your business – the incubator program will offer one-on-one business counseling and provide educational training sessions tailored to participant needs