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. (This space does not come equipped with a type 1 hood.)

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: Including but not limited to the following 

    • Business Concept: Description of the food business, including type of cuisine and target market.

    • Operational Plan: Outline of proposed hours of operation, staffing, and food sourcing.

    • Menu Development: Sample menu items and pricing structure.

    • Marketing Strategy: How the business plans to attract and retain customers.

    • Financial Plan: An outline of your current financial situation as well as your future projections.

    • Experience: Provide background on the business owner(s) and any relevant experience in the food industry.

    • References: Contact information for at least two professional references.

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