Detroit program gives entrepreneurs retail space to test pop-up ideas
DETROIT, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A new program in Detroit is giving entrepreneurs the tools to get their businesses off the ground.
"We get to test out what it's like to run an actual storefront, a brick and mortar," said Lisa Borum.
Borum is the woman behind the shop Yarn Nerds.
"We specialize in high-end fibers such as wool, alpaca, cashmere. We do our own hand-dyed yarns," Borum stated.
A small business idea turned pop-up thanks to TechTown.
"TechTown Detroit is a small business incubator and accelerator in the city of Detroit," said Carrie Vestrand, retail strategist for the company.
Vestrand says the company works with entrepreneurs to grow and scale their businesses. Its new program, "The Shop," gives business owners like Borum a trial run of what it's like to run a business inside an actual retail space inside the Fisher building in downtown Detroit.
"I find that so amazing that you actually get to do a hands-on thing instead of let me get this big loan and start this business, and you don't really know if it's going to work or not, and they are actually giving us the opportunity to try this out first," Borum said.
Borum shares the storefront with Christina Lefleur, the owner of "Alcott's Attic Bookstore."
"Our tagline is we are your friendly neighborhood booksellers, so the way I look at it when customers come into my space, it's like they're coming into my living room to talk books," Lefleur said.
A successful pop-up for years, but with the support of TechTown's "The Shop," Lefleur is confident she'll expand even further.
"It's great to have the support of TechTown. We get business coaching throughout the process to make sure that we're being the best business we can be. It's amazing, and I mean, they're doing so much good for the city. They've helped my business so much, and I couldn't do this without them," Lefleur said.
"I feel like I will be more successful because I have people with more experience, they have coached so many people, so many businesses in Detroit, and I am very confident that they will help me succeed in my business," said Borum.
If you'd like to check out Yarn Nerds or Alcott's Attic Bookstore, they're open Tuesday through Saturday inside the Fisher building.
If you're an entrepreneur and have questions on how to get your business up and running, contact TechTown.