Apply now to become a small business vendor for the new Saginaw Street Maker’s Village at Saginaw Green Park, 111 N. Saginaw Street in Downtown Pontiac.
Developed by Main Street Pontiac, with support from the GM on Main Street Grant. This program caters specifically to small businesses with aspirations of establishing a presence in the retail or cottage food industry in downtown Pontiac showcasing and selling products to local residents and visitors. The selected Saginaw Street Maker’s Village vendors will benefit from exposure generated by events such as Road Kill Nights, Dream Cruise, and Christmas Parade.
Main Street Pontiac is committed to supporting locally based entrepreneurs. Small, affordable, and move-in ready retail space in downtown Pontiac is often out of reach for the community’s local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. Main Street Pontiac seeks to bridge this gap by developing and managing 8-10 affordable micro-retail tenant spaces (aka small cottage sheds) in an underutilized site on the north end of downtown. We want to emphasize the artistry, passion, and care that goes into each product made by local artisans, as well as highlight the personal stories behind the creations to foster a deeper connection with community members, donors, and other artisans. At the Saginaw Street Makers Village we embrace creativity and discover community.
About the Sheds
Currently, four sheds are available. The sheds are custom built of wood measuring 11 X 16 with a covered front porch. There are three windows and a door. The sheds are unfinished inside with a wood plank floor. Each shed as a limited number of electrical outlets inside.
Booth Type & Price:
- Sheds are 110 Sq. Ft. and will cost the vendor $150 per month.
- Common Area Maintenance Fees: Vendors will also be charged $50.00 per month primarily for the cost of electricity as well as a few other expenses for the MSP Saginaw Green Maker’s Village such as marketing and amenities to beautify the village.
Hours:
For 2025 hours will be as follows:
- March 1 through December 22, 2025
- Thursday through Saturday 11 am to 5 pm
Please note the dates and times are the minimum requirements. Vendors may stay open longer than the dates and times listed.
Minimum Required Hours:
The previous days and hours are MANDATED and will be initially followed for all MSP Village Market. We will be monitoring progress as the season continues and will adjust as needed. Please consider who can manage your shed on site if you cannot be on site. Vendors will be given three days they can close throughout the season for emergencies, illness, vacation, etc. Any days after this, the vendor will be fined $150 and could be subjected to eviction.
- The program is intended for local businesses owned by Pontiac residents.
- Start-up businesses by Pontiac residents.
- Businesses that DO NOT have an existing storefront location in downtown or community.
- Prioritizing vendors selling retail type products. Food is acceptable is prepared and packaged off site at a licensed location utilizing proper health safety food measures.
- To offer a variety of products for sale in downtown Pontiac by providing local businesses an attractive and affordable location to expand or test their business concepts.
- Dual occupancy will be considered.
- Submit a business plan.
- Submit a fully complete application. Applications not fully complete will not be considered.
- Submit a non-refundable $25.00 application fee with application. Applications that do not include the $25.00 application fee will not be considered.
- Participate in marketing of the MSP Saginaw Street Maker’s Village.
- Participate in Saginaw Street Maker’s Village promotional meetings intended to help promote their business and the location.
- Vendor to provide their own fixtures or furnishings for assigned shed if selected.
- Vendors will be required to provide proof of insurance for contents if selected and execution of vendor agreement.
- Enter into an agreement regarding standard operating procedures of the MSP Saginaw Street Maker’s Village vendor.
Vendor operating agreement will be provided and a location assignment made by Main Street Pontiac.
Completed applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the Main Street Pontiac Board of Directors, city leaders, and small business experts.
Applicants will be notified no later than December 15, 2024 if their application has been accepted. Once selected, a $150 non-refundable deposit must be paid within two weeks of notification to secure your Saginaw Street Maker’s Village spot. An orientation meeting for selected vendors will take place following.
Please note your first lease payment is required by March 1, 2025.
No refunds for vendor cancellations will be given once a vendor agreement has been executed.
Vendors may not sub-let their location to another vendor without prior approval from Main Street Pontiac. Vendors who do so will forfeit their lease and will not receive a refund. Only vendors listed and approved in the original vendor agreement will be allowed unless otherwise approved.
- We have a limited supply of electricity available.
- Generators are not allowed. Running water is not available.
- Restrooms are available for vendors to use only at the Main Street Pontiac Offices a block away at 73 North Saginaw Street.
- Vendors will be able to deposit trash at a nearby central location.
Payment may be made within the form below or made out to:
Main Street Pontiac
73 North Saginaw
Pontiac, MI 48342
Cash, check, and cards are accepted. There will be a 2.8% fee added to credit card transactions.
Vendors having additional questions or needing additional information, may email Main Street Pontiac at [email protected].
Application Deadline:
Deadline to apply is December 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Application Checklist: Please include: • Fully completed Vendor Application • Minimum of 6 photos of items to be sold • Business plan • List of Items to be sold • Non-refundable $25.00 application fee • Web site or social media handles for business if applicable
