1811 Elm Street Application Information
Issuing Organization: Corporation for Findlay Market
Address: 1811 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Contact Information: Jordon Kuhn, jkuhn@findlaymarket.org, (513) 255-3324
Lease: 15 Month Initial Lease
Introduction
The Corporation for Findlay Market’s Food Innovation Team is seeking applications for leasing a commercial space as part of its Launch Accelerator Program. Our Accelerator Program’s goal is to provide emerging food entrepreneurs with a lowered-risk opportunity to test their storefront concept in a commercially equipped space, with a short-term lease and supported by industry professionals.
Project Overview
Findlay launched a food business accelerator with the following goals
Provide lowered financial risk opportunities for independent food businesses, with a focus on BIPOC, women, and immigrant-owned businesses
Provide access to prime storefront locations within a thriving commercial business district for companies to test proof of concept
Provide industry expertise and connections from the Food Innovation Team through scheduled advisory meetings
Support the development of business and operational systems
Advise in the development of residents’ future business pathway
Resident Requirements
If accepted into this program you will be required to do the following:
Regular attendance at all scheduled development meetings
Active participation in program support tasks
Setting and monitoring goals and milestones.
Adhering to the minimum hours of operations as mentioned in the lease.
Month 1: Move-in/set up; no hours requirements
Month 2: Minimum of 20 hours/week; required days Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Month 3: Minimum of 32 hours/week; required days Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Month 4+: Minimum of 48 hours/week; required days Friday Saturday, Sunday
Legal Business Requirements
Must have or be able to obtain a Manager Level Servsafe Certification
Must have a valid Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Must be registered with the Ohio Department of Taxation
Must be registered to do business and pay sales tax through the Ohio Business Gateway
Participants must carry $1,000,000 commercial general liability insurance and list the Corporation for Findlay Market as an additional insured prior to occupancy.
If the business has employees—or plans to hire during the program term—the following are also required, and the Food Innovation Team can provide guidance and support to complete these:
Registration with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Coverage through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
Storefront Details
1811 Elm Street, near the center of the Market District. The space is approximately 600 square feet with a limited kitchen and production space and a small dining area. Great for a small batch bakery, cold food service, drink concept, or a retail storefront. This space does not come equipped with a type 1 hood.
Space Details
Base Rent: $916.18/month
CAM Fees: $309.00/month
Estimated Total Monthly Occupancy Cost: $1225.18
Estimated Total Annual Occupancy Cost: $14702.16
Equipment Provided
24”x24” Convection Oven
70” 2-drawer lowboy fridge
84”x26” Reach in fridge
82”29” Glassdoor reach in fridge
3 Merchandising refrigerators
84”x26” Glass Door Reach-in Freezer
2 Door Worktop Freezer
Countertop Warmer
3 Metro Racks
1 Storage Cage
Prep sink
Hand sink
3-compartment dish sink
Leasing
Agreement to a 15-month Lease. The 15-month lease includes a 3-month ramp-up period followed by a 12-month fully operational term.
Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to schedule a walkthrough of the space before submitting their proposal. Contact jkuhn@findlaymarket.org to set up a space walkthrough.
If you’re interested in participating in the program, please complete the application form through our CRM. Once your application has been submitted, a member of our team will review your information and follow up with you regarding next steps. Find the link here.
Written Proposal
Business Plan: Please provide a business plan that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Business Concept: A description of your food business, including the concept, type of cuisine, target customer, and what makes the business unique.
Operational Plan: An overview of how the business will operate, including proposed hours, staffing structure, food sourcing, production, and other key operational processes.
Menu: A sample menu that includes proposed items and pricing.
Marketing and Branding Strategy: A plan for attracting and retaining customers, building awareness, and engaging with the surrounding community. Please include existing logos, branding, or other marketing materials, if available.
Financial Plan: An overview of the business's current financial position, startup and operating needs, and financial projections for the proposed location.
Build Out Budget: A detailed budget for the initial build out of the space, including anticipated costs and identified or proposed sources of funding.
Organizational Management: An overview of the ownership and management structure, including biographies, relevant experience, and the roles of key team members. Please highlight any restaurant, food service, hospitality, or other relevant business experience.
In-Person Interview
After submitting your written proposal, you will be asked to come in for an interview to talk about your concept and how it would fit into the Findlay Market district.
Evaluation Criteria
Feasibility of the business concept to work in the Launch Space
Experience and qualifications of the proposer
Financial viability and projected revenue
Alignment with Findlay Market’s mission and values
Questions?
All questions regarding the application process or the Launch Program can be directed to Jordon Kuhn at jkuhn@findlaymarket.org