MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. (WSBT) — A unique opportunity for anyone getting a business off the ground, and really for anyone looking for a new shopping experience, is happening right now in Bremen.
The Bremen Village Shops is set to be a new community space with new businesses popping up each year.
Starting a small business is riddled with risk, no matter where you are, and in a small town like Bremen, the risk is piled on with the challenge of exposure.
Small startups can struggle to keep regular hours in one location where they can build relationships with customers.
“Especially in Bremen, there’s no downtown spaces available to even open up a storefront. So and if there was one, the price is huge, and a small business owner can’t take that on,” said Amber Reed, Bremen Village Shops managing director.
As an entrepreneur and business teacher, Amber Reed knows this story backwards and forwards.
A unique opportunity for anyone getting a business off the ground, and really for anyone looking for a new shopping experience, is happening right now in Bremen. (WSBT Video)
A story she teaches students in her CTE course at Bremen High School.
Now, she’s partnered with the chamber of commerce to bring ten businesses into a seven-month contract on a parking lot soon to be transformed.
“So, we’re planning on having ten sheds. Each shed is 12 by 12, each shed will have its own mini split with heat and air, and so each shed basically will be open for seven months, and that is your shed to run as your business,” said Reed.
Tenants must operate for select hours on Saturday, Sunday and the last Friday of each month.
The rent is fixed at $2500 for seven months, regardless of how frequently the space is used.
When the season is over, a new group is selected to be part of the Village Shops.
Every business is given membership and support from the Bremen Chamber of Commerce.
“Having people come in to help with marketing ideas and really a mentorship type program with the current businesses that are members in the chamber, and kind of teaming them up,” said Reed.
The shops are scheduled to open in downtown Bremen on Plymouth and Washington Avenue on Memorial Day.
Applications are open until the end of January
You can learn more by visiting the Bremen Village Shops Facebook page.
