Win a Space for the Holidays

Your business.

A storefront on Barton Street East.

Rent-free for the holiday season.

Have you been dreaming of opening a storefront, testing a new retail concept, or bringing your online business into a physical space?

The Barton Village BIA wants to help make it happen.

This holiday season, one local entrepreneur or small business will win the opportunity to operate a temporary retail pop-up on Barton Street East, completely rent-free.

From November 15 to January 15, the winning business will receive a turnkey opportunity to bring their concept to life, connect with new customers, and become part of the Barton Village business community.

The Prize

Two months of rent-free retail space + full Barton Village BIA support.

The winning business will receive:

2 months of commercial retail space on Barton Street East
100% rent-free occupancy from November 15–January 15
Barton Village BIA marketing support to help promote your business
Business and networking opportunities within the Barton Village community
A chance to test your concept and reach new customers during the holiday shopping season
A pathway to permanence for businesses that want to explore establishing a longer-term presence in Barton Village

Whether you're an online retailer ready to test a storefront, an entrepreneur with a new idea, or an existing business looking to try something new, this could be your opportunity to take the next step.

Who Can Apply?

We're looking for entrepreneurs and small businesses with a great idea and the drive to make it happen.

Applicants should:

Be a Hamilton-based entrepreneur or small business
Have a business concept that is appropriate for a retail storefront
Be available to operate the space during the program period
Be able to provide the required business and insurance documentation
Be prepared to actively participate in the program and help create an engaging customer experience

New businesses are welcome to apply! You don't need to have an established storefront to be considered.

Some eligibility restrictions apply. Please review the full program requirements before applying.

What Could You Do With the Space?

The possibilities are yours to explore.

Maybe you're an online business ready to meet your customers in person. Maybe you've been dreaming about opening a vintage shop, gift store, art space, holiday shop, specialty food concept, or creative retail experience.

Or maybe you have an idea you've been waiting for the right opportunity to test.

Tell us what you would create.

The winning concept will be selected based on factors including the strength of the business concept, customer experience, community benefit, potential for long-term success, and alignment with the Barton Village BIA.

Why Barton Village?

Barton Street East is home to a growing community of independent businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, makers, restaurants and community organizations.

This program is about more than filling a storefront for the holidays.

It's about creating an opportunity for a new business to get a foothold, introducing customers to something new, and strengthening the Barton Village business community.

Your pop-up could be the beginning of something much bigger.

How It Works

1. Apply

Submit your application with your business information, concept, and vision for the space.

2. Applications are reviewed

A selection committee will review applications based on the program's selection criteria.

3. A winner is selected

One business will be selected to receive the rent-free retail opportunity.

4. Get ready to launch

The Barton Village BIA will work with the winning business to prepare for opening.

5. Open your doors

Launch your pop-up and welcome customers to Barton Street East!

6. Make the most of it

Take advantage of the holiday shopping season, BIA marketing support, and connections within the Barton Village community.

Ready to Bring Your Idea to Life?

Apply now for your chance to win two months of rent-free retail space on Barton Street East.

Whether you're ready to open your first storefront or you're looking for a place to test your next big idea, we want to hear from you.

Applications are open now.

Limited opportunity. Applicants must meet program eligibility requirements and provide all required documentation.

Apply Here

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.