MONROE — Project Pop Up, Main Street Monroe’s efforts to foster local entrepreneurs and fill empty storefronts in the historic downtown district, will continue in 2020. 

Initially launched in 2018, the program provides a greater structure than normally available for new businesses. Main Street Monroe offers business support ranging from staffing and window displays to merchandising and advertising; specifically as it relates to the Monroe market. Main Street also covers the cost of rent during the three months.

Jordan Nordby, executive director, highlighted that even though no downtown businesses have closed this year because of COVID-19, there is still a need to continue nurturing local entrepreneurs. This pop up model allows someone to test a business idea without a full term commitment which may be attractive this year. 

“We hope to provide a bit more normalcy as we finish out 2020,” Nordby said.

Interested entrepreneurs may have an existing business online or operate out of their house, or just an idea, and have not had an existing brick and mortar in Monroe. 

The application process includes submitting a business plan and being interviewed by Main Street’s volunteer Economic Revitalization Committee. Volunteers include local shop owners, a realtor and someone with merchandising experience; all offering unique perspectives on doing business in Monroe.

As in previous years, the shops will be open from mid-October through the end of the year. Last year’s pop up shop, 213 Mercantile, signed a long term lease after its initial three months. Rock & Rust, part of the 2018 pilot program, did as well. Nordby noted that every business has different needs and backgrounds, but Main Street’s “anything and everything” approach to community development downtown applies to the program, too. 

“Our goal continues to be removing barriers and answering questions to make the district as business friendly as possible. We’ve spent a lot of effort this year on providing as much support to our existing business as possible with our LIVE! sales and Share the Love Gift Certificate Program. We want to continue that support by finding new businesses that compliment and draw more people downtown,” Nordby said.

Anyone interested in finding more information, including an application, can visit mainstreetmonroe.org or call 608-328-4023. Applications must be received by Friday, Sept. 18.