Small business owners are invited to apply to be part of the popular and successful Downtown Detroit Markets this holiday season at Cadillac Square near Campus Martius.
The first info session is Wednesday, and the window to apply is April 28-June 1.
Organizers are looking for product-based businesses with at least 2 years of operation in the city of Detroit proper. It also helps if they have experience participating in large-scale pop-up events and have products that are family-friendly.
The holiday shopping activation returns Nov. 11 and runs through Jan. 3. Since it started in 2017, it has featured more than 170 small businesses and is estimated to have generated $7 million in sales for them. The attraction is funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership with support from Bedrock and TechTown.
“The Downtown Detroit Markets have become a holiday tradition that reflects the strength of our small business community,” said Linda Nosegbe in a press release announcing the call for vendors. She’s the director of economic mobility for the Gilbert Family Foundation. “Beyond shopping, it’s about expanding economic opportunity, supporting Detroit entrepreneurs and showcasing the creativity that fuels our city.”
Lisa Borum is the owner of Yarn Nerds, a past vendor that sells hand-dyed yarn, patterns, kits and other goods. She called the experience of selling at Downtown Detroit Markets “a wonderful way to grow our family business and be a part of the energy of downtown Detroit during the holiday season.”
“As a Detroit resident and small business owner, it meant so much to be part of an event that celebrates our city’s creativity, community and holiday spirit,” Borum said in a statement. “The market gave us the opportunity to connect with such a vibrant and supportive community while sharing our hand-dyed yarn with both returning and new customers.”
Wednesday’s informational event is 6-7:30 p.m. at All Things Marketplace, 1620 Michigan, Suite 123, in Detroit. Virtual sessions will follow from May 14-27.
Applications open April 28 at deckedoutdetroit.com/markets-applicants-open.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Have a small biz? Apply to be at Downtown Detroit Markets this this holiday season
Reporting by Melody Baetens, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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