Application and Program Requirements

Our Launch spaces are currently filled with other residents. While our residencies are a minimum of 15 months, our leases are flexible, so businesses are able to stay longer based on their individual needs. To receive updates on storefront availability, sign up for our program newsletter here.

Eligibility & Expectations

Basic Program Requirements

  • At least 1 year in business

  • Business plan 

  • Minimum 15-month lease agreement

  • Demonstrated ability to cover monthly rent, utilities, and common area fees

Resident Requirements

If accepted into this program, you will be required to do the following:

  • Regularly attend all scheduled advisory meetings

  • Actively participate in program support tasks

  • Set and monitor goals and milestones

  • Adhere to the minimum hours of operation 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

Application Process

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, food sourcing, and any other operational processes.

    • 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.

  • Professional 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?

Take our short survey and get personalized guidance from a member of our Food Innovation Team.