In May of this year, 12 intrepid business owners were chosen for a first-of-its-kind event.

Though Pop UPs utilizing vacant downtown storefronts had been done in other cities around the country, one had never been attempted in Shreveport. Those 12 businesses, ranging from restaurants to custom jewelry-makers, were our “first movers” in an experiment that showed off the Red River District, increased excitement, buzz and pedestrian traffic, and expanded the customer base for the businesses themselves. By all accounts, downtown’s historic first Pop UP was a wonderful success, and as soon as it ended, questions about the next event started flowing in. We’re happy to be able to now answer most of those questions as we open up the application for the second, third and fourth Pop UPs to be held through the end of the year. 

Between now and noon Aug. 25, businesses will be able to apply to the Downtown Development Authority/Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation to participate in one, two or all three of our remaining 2014 rent-free retail opportunities, which include the Central Business District Sept. 22-Oct. 3, a Shreveport Common Pop UP that coincides with the Texas Avenue Makers Fair on Nov. 3-8 and a six-week holiday event in the Red River District on Nov. 17- Dec. 31. 

The businesses chosen will have the chance to spread the word about their goods and services to customers who may not be familiar with them or their products, will be able to “test drive” a downtown retail space without having to pay rent, insurance, utilities, a down payment and build out and will be able to make changes on the fly as they gauge product response. If things go well for them, they can work with the property owner or manager to make the space their permanent business location or work with us to find another location downtown. At the end of the year, a single business will be awarded one year of downtown rental assistance from the Committee of One Hundred. 

“We know the value of small businesses to our regional economy, and we want to support them,” John Atkins, Committee of One Hundred 2014 president and a partner in Atco Investment Co., said. “This is a way for us to give a first break to a new small business or to help an existing business expand and hire additional employees.”

Those 12 local businesses in May took a risk and a deep breath as they became the first to test the concept out locally. Going in, we had no idea what sort of reaction to expect from either the business community we were asking to participate or the public that we needed to show support, but it soon became clear that Pop UP was striking a chord. 

Citizens National Bank came on board as a partner early. “We love the idea of giving small businesses a non-traditional way to showcase their products and services,” Vice President Kim Bailey said. “We see Pop UP as a way to show our commitment to Downtown Shreveport and our support for small businesses.”  

Everything was falling into place and by the time the first application process closed, 30 small businesses had entered. These businesses were as diverse as they come. Where else could a Southern soul restaurant heavy on gravy and butter share a space with a healthy alternative eatery interested in organic cuisine? A pastry shop, goat cheese store and Louisiana kitchen specializing in beignets rounded out the food options. On the retail side were custom jewelry, clothing, Louisiana products, 3D printing, home décor, fine art portraiture, commercial photography and marketing services. Not only did the businesses run the gamut, so did the personalities of their owners. Most left the two-week event with new friends, new customers and hopefully, a better sense of how to create success. Downtown benefited, too. We know some of those businesses will be back and that others were watching and will follow. 

We encourage any retail business to apply. Information and applications are available online at www.downtownshreveport.com or at 222-7403. We’re excited to see what the next three Pop UPs will hold. Will some of the original 12 businesses be back? What aspiring or expanding business will hit a nerve and become “the newest thing?”