PROJECT: POP-UP | MELROSE, MA

Year-round Incubator Space
See more details below before you apply.

currently accepting applications!

Calling All Emerging Brands, Artists, Entrepreneurs And Innovators!

UpNext is partnering with the Melrose community, along with the Middlesex 3 Coalition and Massachusetts Innovation Network, to offer a yearlong incubator space for emerging brands. Project: Pop-Up offers founders with fresh ideas access to premium space to experiment and expand their concepts.

Please note: Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis, space permitting.

A Launchpad for MELROSE

Project: Pop-Up is activating a beautiful shared space storefront featuring Paper & Clay at 122 W Emerson St in Melrose Center, to welcome retailers, artists, and other small businesses looking to take their concepts for a brick and mortar test drive. Brands will have the opportunity to pop in for a full-staffed, seasonal opportunity at a subsidized rate, and be provided with access to a suite of resources to help seed their success.

Ideal Categories Include

Independent brands and retailers, specialty food and drink purveyors, artists, makers, galleries and other unique cultural or bespoke experiences. Entrepreneurial and forward-thinking concepts encouraged to apply.

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Program Highlights

Premium, turnkey pop-up space
Fully staffed pop-in opportunities
Available for 4 seasons:
- Season 1: November 2022 - March 2023
- Season 2: April 2023 - June 2023
- Season 3: July 2023 - September 2023
- Season 4: October 2023 - December 2023
*Please note dates/timeframes are subject to change
Accessible opportunities—pop-in rent and staffing for featured Project: Pop-Up brands is offered at at 25% revenue share for selected brands. The $100 monthly base rent is subsidized by the program and waived in full.
Sharable space
Storefront is shared by multiple collaborators—offset costs and enhance cross-promotional opportunities
Signage support
Marketing + special event stipends
Access to a suite of resources, including:
Marketing and PR opportunities
Pop-Up Master Checklist and FAQs
UpNext support and expertise
Setup and installation aid
Cross-promotion and collaboration opportunities

Funding and Partnerships

This project is being funded by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development REDO grant program as part of the state’s efforts to accelerate economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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