The pop-up shop concept should be an integral part of any community’s downtown development plan.  Pop-up shops can be used to create vibrant downtowns while giving start-ups, artists and existing businesses a place to test markets, build a customer-base and increase revenue.  Because pop-ups cost significantly less to start-up then a storefront, they can assist communities in building equity in their existing entrepreneurial ecosystems by providing lower cost options to startup businesses.

Pop-ups are not just for start-ups. They can also be a great way for online merchants to take their products offline in order to grow revenues and lead customers to their online shops.  Even existing brick and mortar stores have used pop-ups to expand their brand awareness.  Pop-up events can also assist in re-establishing or expanding retail options in struggling downtowns.
 
The presenter will provide ways communities can utilize the pop-up concept to its full potential.  Examples will be provided of communities in Illinois, both urban and rural that have adopted policies and ordinances to spur equitable entrepreneurial development using pop-up shops.
 
Pam Schallhorn, Extension Specialist in Community & Economic Development helped to create the Rockford City Market and was a member of the initial steering committee from 2010 to 2014. She is an authority on the ‘creative economy’ and has presented on the topic at both state and national conferences.  Before coming to Extension, she was a commercial lender for over two decades and was the Director of the SBDC in Rockford, IL.  She has earned a master’s degree in political studies and a bachelor’s in finance.