The City of Glendale is expanding its successful Artsakh Creative retail program, designed to help small business owners transition into brick-and-mortar stores. The program offers free rent to qualifying retail businesses for six months in City-owned units on the Artsakh Paseo. The aim is to enhance Glendale’s vision for an Arts & Entertainment District, with Artsakh Avenue at its core, featuring a mix of arts, cultural, and entertainment venues, retailers, and events.
“We’re seeking a diverse range of product and artistic-based businesses eager to test their concepts and new products. It can be tough for entrepreneurs to attract customers, build market share, and manage the costs of starting a business. By offering free rent and promotional support, we give these businesses a better chance at success,” stated Soua Vang, Deputy Director of Economic Development.
The program began in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to support struggling small businesses. It has since received recognition from the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) and the American Planning Association (APA) for its innovative approach to launching new businesses. Glendale’s Economic Development Team has shared best practices with teams in Long Beach, West Hollywood, Santa Clarita, and Ontario, inspiring similar initiatives in these communities.
The City has two vacant storefronts, each 975 square feet, available at 117 and 131 North Artsakh Avenue as part of this accelerator program. The new businesses will join current establishments like The Glendale Room comedy club and Paperback Brewing Company, which opened its Artsakh tasting room earlier this summer, marking a second location in the area.
Sean Casey, Founder of The Glendale Room, highlighted the program’s potential: “The Artsakh Creative program offers an incredible chance to cultivate a unique arts and nightlife scene. The City’s support has been crucial in developing a full calendar of live events and activities. We are immensely grateful for this program and the dedicated people behind it. For creative entrepreneurs, this is the opportunity to bring your vision to life in a dynamic retail environment unique in the Southland.”
Chris Cesnek, Co-Founder of Paperback Brewing Company, added, “The Artsakh Creative program has been a fantastic experience for us. The City’s efforts to support local small businesses and raise community awareness have been invaluable.”
Applications for the program will be accepted from August 5 through August 16, 2024. The City aims to have the selected retailers set up in their new locations by the start of the holiday shopping season around November 28, 2024. The program is looking for established business concepts with sufficient funding to move into a City-owned unit and open within a 4–6-week timeframe. Examples of potential businesses include specialty food and retail shops such as cheese, wine, olive oil, jewelry, clothing, gifts, antiques, hand and body/beauty products, art galleries, fitness studios, educational spaces, and performance venues. Interested retailers can submit their applications online here.
