Who Can Apply?

This program is open to small retail businesses that sell products, services, or experiences in a brick-and-mortar format OR are Direct to Consumer with a desire to expand into a brick-and-mortar store. For the pilot program, the applicants must have their business established or plan to locate in one of the pilot communities*. Eligible applicants include startups, home-based businesses transitioning to storefronts, and existing businesses ready to expand in place or into larger footprints or second locations.

Retail is described in this program as any business that sells a product, service, or experience. Professional services and technology sectors are excluded from this pilot program. Business Types that are welcomed to apply include but not limited to: 

  • Product Retail such as apparel, accessories, home furnishings, gourmet food and beverage stores.
  • Food & Beverage sector – grocery, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, wineries, breweries, distilleries.
  • Experience Business may include any business that sells an experience as the focal point of their business such as escape room, ax throwing, recreational.

Each community has had an analysis completed on what retail concepts are desired so please see the list according to the community you wish to locate or expand in.

*Pilot communities are as follows:

  • Portsmouth (High St)
  • Newport News (Hilton Village Main Street)
  • Hampton (Settlers Landing/Bridge St/Queens Way)
  • Norfolk (Granby Street)

Startups / Home-based businesses / Marketplace / Online Retailers:

Selected applicants that are start-ups or desire to grow a home-based business, marketplace business, OR Direct to Consumer online business to a brick-and-mortar location will begin by completing the Certificate in Retail Operations (CROps) program through the Retail Alliance Foundation, where they will develop a comprehensive business plan. 

After completing the CROps program, participants will launch a 30-day community engagement campaign through NuMarket to garner financial investment from the community. This campaign will serve as both proof of concept and an opportunity to lock in community support.

Once the community engagement campaign concludes, participants will proceed to the loan process with ABNB Federal Credit Union.  Loans available up to $35,000.

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. All applicants will be reviewed by the program facilitator. Those not initially deemed creditworthy may be offered credit counseling to prepare for future opportunities. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate strong credit, a viable retail concept that meets community needs, and a clear commitment to the program. Only serious and motivated retailers should apply.

Existing Retailers:

For applicants that have existing retail businesses and are poised for growth either in place or by expanding to a larger retail space or second location, their financials will be vetted first to be sure they are in an acceptable position financially to take the next step. If not, they will be required to also attend the Retail Alliance CROps program and develop a growth plan. For those that meet financial stability criteria, they will meet with a panel of business experts to work with them to create a growth plan.

Participants will launch a 30-day community engagement campaign through NuMarket. This campaign will serve as both proof of concept and an opportunity to lock in community engagement. After completion of this campaign, participants will have the opportunity to apply to ABNB Federal Credit Union for a business loan. Loans available up to $35,000.

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. All applicants will be reviewed by the program facilitator. Those not initially deemed creditworthy may be offered credit counseling to prepare for future opportunities. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate strong credit, a viable retail concept that meets community needs, and a clear commitment to the program. Only serious and motivated retailers should apply.