The Pop Shops Incubator Program launched March, 2021 when City Council approved the installation of four pre-fabricated buildings along Main Street and Bothell Way NE to serve as prime retail space for community-selected entrepreneurs.
Through a partnership with Mercy Corps Northwest, the four business owners who were picked for the program were provided microfinancing, guidance and tools to help set them up for success and generate revenue.
“I feel so blessed. Online, I was a little fish in a big ocean”.... “I was looking at arranging my own exhibition in a hotel and was in conversations with Mariott when I came across this opportunity. I thought, wow, this looks really wonderful, I should apply,” Priyanka Arora says.
All four Pop Shops are open for business, Thursday-Sunday from noon-6 p.m. Each business is woman-owned and sells a unique product including vegetables and produce, organically grown by BIPOC farmers, handcrafted fusion jewelry, natural body care products, and unique, custom-made ceramics and works of art.
"We are thrilled to give entrepreneurs a physical space to sell their products, and are excited to help bring additional tourism to downtown Bothell. I as well as fellow councilmembers look forward to finding more ways to support our local businesses, and to continue making Bothell an inclusive, accessible City for all," Deputy Mayor Jeanne Zornes shares.