Vendor Application Packet

History

The Broad Street Market, established in 1860, is renowned as the oldest continuously operated market house in the United States. Located in Harrisburg, it offers a diverse array of locally-grown and organic produce, meats, baked goods, and freshly prepared meals from nearly 40 vendors. The market, occupying three city blocks between Third and Sixth streets, was a vital source of food during the Civil War and has remained a cornerstone of the community ever since. Over the years, it has undergone transformations, including restoration efforts and a shift to community management, while maintaining its historic charm and cultural significance. Today, the Broad Street Market continues to thrive as a bustling hub for fresh food, diverse vendors, and community gatherings, reflecting its rich history and commitment to growth and inclusivity.

Broad Street Market Alliance Mission Statement

1. To preserve the architectural and historic character and the function, of the Broad Street Market as an urban, public market serving the City of Harrisburg and the surrounding region; 
2. To make accessible a wide variety of produce, meat, fish, bakery and dairy products, and other raw and prepared foods, brought to the market in the center of the City of Harrisburg, which is currently a food desert as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, primarily by local farmers, growers, producers and chefs, which products shall include both healthy and affordable options; 
3. To maintain an environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of the citizens of the City of Harrisburg and fosters their social and economic interaction; 
4. To educate the customers of the market and the residents of the City of Harrisburg, with the global need to re-connect people to the land and the production of their food; 
5. To provide a venue for a limited number of non-food vendors to sell locally produced, hand- made, artisanal goods and crafts and thereby improve entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for residents of the City of Harrisburg and the region. 

Market Operations

• The Broad Street Market is located at 1233 North Third Street Harrisburg
  Pennsylvania 17102.
• The Market’s regular hours of operation are as follows: Thursday 7am - 6pm, Friday 7am - 6pm, and Saturday 7am - 6pm.
• Core Hours: All vendors are required to be open during the hours of 10am - 4pm, unless they sellout prior to 4pm.

Vendor Opportunties

• Permanent Vendors: Permitted to sell at the market on regular operational hours and are charged a rate of $3.34 per square foot on a monthly basis.*
• Guest Vendors: Permitted to sell at the market, on a day-to-day
  basis, with special permission given for consecutive days and/or weekends. May be
  in association with special events, occasions, and holidays.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Non-Profit and/or community outreach groups who provide information and education, but restricted from selling items at the market.

* The Broad Street Market Alliance is currently fully leased, however we are accepting applications for the Permanent Vendor Waiting List.

Applying is the first step in a multi-step process and is not a guarantee that you will be offered the use of vendor space. After an application is submitted, BSM representatives will contact applicants who meet the needs for the space available. Applications that do not meet the needs will be kept on file for one year for consideration for future vacancies. Final approval must come from BSM Management and the Board of Directors. Be aware that the entire process from submittal to approval may take a up to 4 weeks (30 days) or longer.

New Vendor Recommended Documents Checklist:

1. Cover Letter
2. Statement of Purpose
3. Summary of Competitive Research
4. Business Experience
   1. One Letter of Support
   2. Two Letters of Reference
5. Financial Information
   1. Revenue
   2. Expenses
   3. Credit Worthiness
6. Summary of Operating Procedures
7. Staffing Summary
8. Staffing Plan
9. Product Descriptions
10. Equipment Details
11. Marketing and Promotion Plan
12. Application Fees

Required Documentation:

• Federal Tax Identification Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Pennsylvania Business License
• Additional licenses and permits may be required based on the structure of the business and item offerings. 

Vendors are required to have the following documents to operate a business in the City of Harrisburg, PA: 

• Business Privilege and Mercantile License ($50.00)
• Business Zoning/Fire Prevention Permit ($50.00+)
• Vendor’s License and Owner’s Consent Form - Courtyard Vendors ($25.00+)
• Health License - Any vendors offering food or beverages ($50.00+)
• Fats, Oil, and Grease Wastewater Discharge Permit- Any vendors offering food or beverages  (50.00+)
• Building permits and inspection - May be required for new/change of use and/or structural changes to stand. 
• Proof of business insurance.

All vendors are required to submit stand construction and signage designs; must assume all costs associated with the stand construction, plumbing, and electrical work required by your stand design; and obtain all permits required by the City of Harrisburg, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and/or Dauphin County. All food-related stands require health inspections by the City of Harrisburg Department of Health, Housing, and Sanitation, and annual operating licenses will be required. 

 

If you would like to grow your business with us at the Broad Street Market, please submit the following information online.

BUSINESS PLAN
The Broad Street Market (BSM) strives to offer visitors a wide variety of locally-grown and organic produce, meats, baked goods, freshly prepared meals, and a limited number of handmade, artisanal goods and crafts. 

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
BSMA holds general liability and property insurance for its operations. Vendors shall maintain insurance coverage listing "Broad Street Market" and "City of Harrisburg" as additionally insured in the following minimum amounts:

• Workers Compensation (statutory amount)
• Comprehensive General Liability ($500,000 bodily injury per person/$500,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate coverage)
• Business Automotive Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit);
• Loss of Revenue and contents insurance

Insurance must be in when the vendor signs their lease with the BSMA and is not required during the application process.

Required Documentation

Business Experience

Financial Information

Financial Information

Broad Street Market Vendor Application Fee:

Please note that there is a non-refundable application fee is required for processing your vendor application. This fee covers administrative costs associated with reviewing and processing your application.

Upon receipt of your application fee, we will proceed with reviewing your application. Please ensure that your payment is submitted along with your completed application form to avoid any delays in processing.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor with us. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at manager@broadstreetmarket.org.