About the Incubator
Downtown Frederick Partnership received a grant from Truist Foundation to launch a new Retail Incubator, providing unprecedented support for emerging entrepreneurs and expanding diversity in business ownership and opportunity in Downtown Frederick. Downtown Frederick Partnership will manage the program in partnership with SOUL Street, a Frederick-based collective of Black business owners and community leaders dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial success.
This first-of-its-kind Retail Incubator will be located at 22 S Market St, inside the historic Federated Charities building. The incubator will host three participants at a time for up to 12 months, providing access to affordable retail space, shared operations, mentorship and hands-on business training. The program is designed to help emerging retail entrepreneurs test and grow their business concepts in a supportive, lower-risk environment.
Incubator participants will be selected through an open application process. Downtown Frederick Partnership and SOUL Street plan to open the first round of applications in the spring of 2026. If you are interested in applying, fill out the form below and follow the Partnership’s social media channels (facebook.com/downtownfrederick or instagram.com/dwntwnfrederick) to stay in the loop.
Participating in the Incubator
The official retailer application will open later this year. If you are interested in participating in the incubator, please submit your information below so we can contact you when the application is available.