Grow Entrepreneurs in City Spaces
Description
Leverage City-controlled spaces to provide entrepreneurs with real-world business experience and low-barrier opportunities to launch and grow.
Why is This Important
Starting a business is hard, and access to commercial space is one of the biggest barriers. By opening City-owned spaces to local entrepreneurs, Akron gives business owners a path to launch, gain experience, and build toward long-term success.
Initiative Wins
Identified and activated City-controlled spaces in 2025 (such as the Municipal Building basement café and the Lock 3 kitchen and food trailers) to give food entrepreneurs brick-and-mortar experience or expansion opportunity.
Impact Spotlight
What We’ve Done This Quarter
Extended the license with Evelyn's to operate out of the Lock 3 kitchen space through June 2026.
Welcomed The Breakfast Box to operate out of the Municipal Building basement cafe.
What We’re Working on Next Quarter
Developing program standards, operating guidelines, and performance benchmarks for participating vendors.
Activating Lock 3 food trailers for the 2026 summer season.