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WHAT IS THE retailLAB?

StartUP Columbus has launched retailLAB, a new incubator designed specifically for retail-focused small businesses. Located inside of Highside Market, retailLAB offers three storefront spaces at below-market rate. 

This new incubator will provide a space for retail entrepreneurs, makers, and creators to manage their own storefront while alleviating the overhead costs associated with brick and mortar spaces. StartUP Columbus is dedicated to giving small businesses the platform to build their brand and gain real world retail experience all while growing in the Columbus entrepreneur ecosystem.

We are looking for three entrepreneurs ready to watch their retail business flourish into a physical space!

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc.

General info

  • StartUP Columbus is looking for local retail based businesses who are creative, determined, and ready to scale their business into a brick and mortar storefront.

    There must always be one team member present during the required time frames listed below:

    Monday - Wednesday from 10 AM - 7 PM

    Thursday - Saturday from 12 PM - 5 PM

    Tenants must have a physical product being sold at the storefront. Service based businesses will not be accepted. Food based businesses will be permitted, provided that the production of the food is done offsite.

  • All tenants accepted in the program must:

    • Obtain (or have) a business license

    • Be a for-profit business

    • Have a consistent stock of physical products available

  • Once the application is submitted, the process is as follows:

    • Application is submitted to the Entrepreneur Hub Manager and Director for review

    • Once reviewed, accepted applications will be forwarded to a third party committee for final review

    • Applicants will meet with the Entrepreneur Hub Manager

    • Accepted applicants will be notified and begin background check process

    • Once background checks clear, applicants will be contacted and sent lease for review.

  • Each lease is 1-year with opportunity to renew with price increase at the start of Year 2. Units are priced at $10 per square foot.

    Lab 1 - $94 / mo at 112.6 square feet

    Corner bay near the entrance with maximum visibility and easy customer access.

    Lab 2 - $111 / mo at 132.9 square feet

    Central space with great balance of display and flow, perfect for product variety.

    Lab 3 - $117 / mo at 140.5 square feet

    The Largest Lab. Ideal for a full retail setup or expanding inventory.

  • retailLAB offers several special features and benefits, including:

    • Turnkey and semi-furnished space 

    • High-speed Internet

    • Access to shared amenities and mentorship

    • Large windows with plenty of natural light

    • High-end storefront environment

    • No utility cost 

    • Onsite staff 

  • retailLAB is located inside of Highside Market at 211 13th Street, Columbus, Georgia.

Ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey? Click below to apply today!

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