News Summary

Medford is excited to introduce three new small businesses, including blob.says.hello, Bithiah’s Art, and Sunny Side Up Photography Studio, as part of its Project: Pop Up initiative. These businesses will open on June 10, 2023, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their shared location downtown. This initiative supports local entrepreneurs and aims to invigorate the community’s economy by providing temporary retail space, showcasing successful projects from over 20 communities in Massachusetts since 2021.

Medford is set to welcome three new small businesses as part of its Project: Pop Up initiative this summer. The newly launched businesses, which include the jewelry designer blob.says.hello, Bithiah’s Art, and Sunny Side Up Photography Studio, will officially open on June 10, 2023, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. at their shared retail space located at 68 High St., downtown Medford.

The businesses will operate from Tuesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will remain in the space until July 15, 2023. This initiative aims to help local entrepreneurs establish a foothold in the market while contributing to the vibrancy of downtown Medford.

Project: Pop Up has seen success in over 20 communities across Massachusetts, showcasing a total of 70 brands since its inception in 2021. The program is designed to support small businesses by providing them with temporary retail space to test their products and services in a supportive environment.

Key Details About the Businesses

blob.says.hello specializes in unique jewelry designs and aims to attract customers looking for personalized and artisan-crafted pieces. Bithiah’s Art brings an array of original artworks, appealing to those interested in supporting local artists and enhancing their living spaces with original pieces. Sunny Side Up Photography Studio focuses on capturing memorable moments for families and individuals. Together, these businesses represent a blend of creativity and entrepreneurship in Medford.

Project: Pop Up’s Mission and Community Support

The primary goal of Project: Pop Up is to assist small businesses in their growth and development. By providing necessary resources, the initiative enhances the entrepreneurial ecosystem within Medford and the surrounding areas. Applications are currently being accepted from small business owners looking to participate in the project. Criteria for applicants include having fewer than five employees and a household income of 80% or less of the area median income, which is currently set at $118,000.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply online through the Project: Pop Up website, where they can find further information about the initiative and application process. This program aims not just to promote individual businesses but to invigorate the local economy by fostering entrepreneurship.

Funding and Community Development

The selected commercial space for the Medford Project: Pop Up is funded through federally allocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. This funding is part of a broader commitment to support small businesses and improve the overall quality of life in the community.

The presence of these new businesses reflects a growing emphasis on local development and community engagement in Medford. By spotlighting small businesses and empowering entrepreneurs, Medford’s Project: Pop Up initiative serves as an example for other communities looking to enhance their local economies.

Conclusion

As Medford prepares for the official launch of these new businesses, community members are encouraged to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 10 and visit the shops during their operational hours. This initiative signals a promising summer for local entrepreneurship and the creative economy in the city.