The City of Bothell has selected four successful applicants for Bothell’s new retail incubator program. Bothell City Council approved a pop up incubator program to support the creation of new small businesses and provide more opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. Pop Shops On Main – An Inclusive Marketplace for Retail Startups, will have an unique footprint in the heart of Bothell and will attract more shoppers and tourists to Bothell’s Downtown.
Funded in part by the Port of Seattle Economic Development Partnership grant, the City has also partnered with Mercy Corps Northwest to deliver this program. Mercy Corps Northwest and a team of community volunteers chose four entrepreneurs from a group of 12 qualified applicants. The entrepreneurs were chosen for their market readiness and their distinctive products. The businesses are:
- Hillary Carstens, Bothell Baking Company, is a bakery that uses locally sourced ingredients.
- Dani Clewell, HappyBody Soaps, will be selling natural and handmade soap and body products.
- Priyanka Arora, Bobell Jewells, makes handcrafted Boho Chick jewelry. https://www.bobelljewels.com
- Adasha Turner of Modest Family Solutions - Ummah Sustained Agroecology Center. This is a year-round hydroponic vegetable shop. https://www.modestfamilysolutions.org
Entrepreneurs and home-based businesses often face many barriers in launching a brick and mortar business. This program will offer resources, microfinancing, mentoring and education to help them learn about the market, improve their business skills, and generate revenue.
Pop Shops On Main is expected to open by October 1, 2021. Businesses will be open Thursday – Sunday from noon – 6 p.m.
Questions? Contact our Economic Development Manager, Jeanie Ashe at jeanie.ashe@bothellwa.gov.