A project in Oakland California is building what they call a popup neighborhood in their downtown blocks that have been sitting empty for a long time. Through strategic partnerships they offer entrepreneurs 6 months free rent in an empty location for them to open their business, whether its a coffee shop, a bike store, or an art gallery. Their website explains it much better than me. http://www.popuphood.com. The original article that I came across is from Fast Company here, http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679178/the-popuphood-how-to-revitalize-a-struggling-neighborhood-in-six-months

The idea is amazing. It encourages local business, boosts the local economy and cleans up the downtown core. I highly recommend checking out the video.

I would love to see a project like this in downtown Chatham.

Hey check this out, sounds like this may be already happening right in our own backyard! Exciting news ~ Get in on the ‘Ground Floor’!
CK on the Edge and the Ground Floor launched a new partnership this week, thanks to a $71,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant has provided funding to hire a project coordinator as well as ongoing funding for marketing, program supplies and research and development.

As part of the exploration phase of the project, The Ground Floor will be seeking expressions of interest from start-up companies and entrepreneurs. ARTspace is currently investigating the feasibility of joining the space since it also places a strong emphasis on innovation and community development.

Nicole Fricot has been hired as the project coordinator. She brings with her a broad range of experience managing projects in the non profit sector, from coordinating community based projects in Peru and Rwanda to managing a complex accreditation project at the University of Calgary. Nicole’s academic training includes a Masters of Business from the Haskayne School of Business.

For more info visit:

http://www.ckontheedge.com/cms/?p=855

and

http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3442606

Posted by Andrea Duchene, Marketing & Communication Officer, Economic Development Services