Aliyya Swaby Photo
Octavia Pollard had to find a new space for her fledgling uniform supply store in Milford, after construction prevented potential customers from easily accessing the building.
Looking into other options, she stumbled upon Project Storefronts, a program that works to secure free access to empty retail spaces in New Haven for small business owners. Now Pollard sells Cherubs Uniforms’ custom professional uniforms at 55 Church S., a small “pop-up” space she rents for free, until the next small business-in-need comes through.
This month Project Storefront renewed its agreement for that pop-up space, increasing the opportunities for newcomers to the entrepreneurial scene to overcome some of the financial hurdles and expand their businesses. Pollard’s uniforms for restaurant staff are currently hanging up at 55 Church St. She also sells uniforms for clergy and doctors all over Connecticut, catering to staff at small businesses who “want to personalize” and “look like a team at an event.”
“We try to touch as many residents as possible,” said Project Storefronts spokesperson Elinor Slomba.
Caterers Ide and Melaka Ehigiato also form a vital part of the small business network, providing space for other businesses at their space at 82 Crown St. Founders of pressure-fried turkey catering company Inspired Turkey, the Ehigiatos rent their banquet hall as an events venue or their kitchen to pop-up restaurants. A chef is currently running his business from their kitchen 25 hours per week.
“His business is picking up. It will ramp up,” Ide said.
Look at were they are at.It will not be long before the gentrification vampires move in and the rents go up.I came them a year and they will be gone.