Northern Liberties offering ‘Retail Ready Bootcamp’

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s time for your shop to get in shape.

The Community College of Philadelphia is working with the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District to launch the Retail Ready Bootcamp next month.

“It’s just set up to take people to the next level,” said Kristine Kennedy, district executive director. “If they are maybe a startup or maybe they’re an existing business looking to grow and expand or just really strengthen, this is the program for them.”

Businesses must apply by the end of this week. The program starts April 7, and only 15 businesses will be selected.

“When we review businesses that are applying,” said Kennedy, “people applying for the program, we want to see what direction they’re headed in.”

Kennedy said they’re looking for businesses that have been in operation for at least a year and have a $30,000 gross revenue.

“It can be maybe a customer service, like maybe a hair salon, a nail salon or an insurance person. Somebody who does clothing would be fantastic. And then food — we’ve seen a lot of kitchen-table businesses started, people who were maybe in the food industry who successfully started something during COVID, but maybe don’t have a lot of experience renting a retail operation.”

She said they want “go-getters” with a solid plan who may have a few knowledge gaps holding them back.

The bootcamp includes one, three-hour class a week for 12 weeks via Zoom. Topics include budgeting, financing and leasing.

“I’m hoping that when people successfully get through this program, they’ll want to open their business in Northern Liberties,” said Kennedy, referring to the current vacant spaces throughout the neighborhood.

The program is $350 upfront, which is then returned upon completion.