Pop-up business space coming to downtown Santa Cruz
It's been rough for many small business owners as they tried to stay afloat during the pandemic.
City leaders have now given the green light to a pilot program that aims to pair local establishments with empty shops along Pacific Avenue.
Like many Santa Cruz businesses, Rachel Thompson had to re-invent her food truck operation.
During the pandemic, it stalled out but Thompson now plans to pivot into the city's new Downtown "Pops" Program.
"Being a local Santa Cruzan my whole life, I've always wanted to have something on Pacific Avenue but the rents are extraordinary."
There are 18 storefronts that were shuttered during the pandemic.
This program aims to bring small businesses in for six months with a goal to keep them long-term if it works out.
"This program is really intended to lower the risk for property owners by guaranteeing minimum rent and creating some stability for potential businesses," said Rebecca Unitt, Business Liaison, for the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Departments. It is one of many programs that the city is putting out along with several economic recovery initiatives.
The focus will be on the diversity of businesses downtown.
"They are prioritizing women-owned businesses, Black, Indigenous, people of color owned businesses and I heard last night even adding businesses that support living wages," said Jorian Wilkins, executive director of the Downtown Business Association.
Applications should be available toward the end of May
Pops is a 6-month pilot program and will go back to the city for review in October or November.