SPARK Shops (Support + Propel + Accelerate Retail Kickstarts) exist to transform home-based businesses into sustainable brick-and-mortar retailers by providing affordable space, targeted mentorship, and a supportive ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, strengthens the local economy and celebrates the City of Hampton’s cultural identity.

Hampton City Council has authorized a retail business incubator program in the Peninsula Town Center (PTC) shopping plaza to be administered by the Hampton Economic Development Authority (EDA) for small Hampton home-based retail businesses. The program is designed to assist start-up or expanding home-based businesses located in the City of Hampton. The mission of the program is to transform home-based businesses into sustainable brick-and-mortar retailers by providing affordable space, targeted mentorship, and a supportive ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, strengthens the local economy, and celebrates the City of Hampton's cultural identity. The overall goal of the program is to support small business owners ready for transition to a brick-and-mortar location. The program was created to offer a low-risk environment for small business entrepreneurs.

This Interest Application is the first step for small business entrepreneurs who want to be considered for participation in the City of Hampton's Retail Incubator program. This short form assists the City of Hampton in learning more about you, your business, and your goals for operating in a shared, brick-and-mortar retail environment.

The Retail Incubator is more than just leasing space, as the program is designed to build capacity in the City of Hampton's home-based businesses. The program will provide business development workshops, targeted mentoring, technical assistance, and a supportive ecosystem to support your transition to your own a brick-and-mortar location.

Space is limited, so this interest application is not the final selection form. Submitting an interest application simply lets us confirm your basic eligibility, understand your readiness, and determine if you qualify for an invitation to the next step of the process.

• Expressing interest in participating in the City of Hampton's Retail Incubator program
• Sharing a snapshot of your business (products, target customers, annual revenue, and current operations)
• Helping us assess fit and readiness for a physical retail space and the incubator experience
• Providing information we'll utilize to schedule a short interview with qualified applicants

• 12 months of discounted/subsidized rental space
• 12 months of retail business development training
• 36 months of mentoring and technical assistance support
• 12 months of shared marketing that promotes the incubator and participating vendors
• Assistance for 12 months finding a permanent space post-incubator

1. Application Review: City of Hampton staff will review submissions for completeness, eligibility, and program fit.

2. Short Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to a brief interview to talk through your business goals.

3. Selection Decision: Applicants will be notified of acceptance status.

4. Confirmation Form: If selected, you'll complete a second form to confirm participation and provide additional details needed for onboarding.

• Your business name (or planned name)
• A brief description of what you sell and who you sell to
• Basic information about sales activity and where you currently sell (online, pop-ups, markets, home-based, etc.)
• Your goals for joining the incubator and what support would help most

There is a reduced monthly lease fee in order to participate in the program with the option to renew for up to two years. The lease fee includes:

• Space that is ready for the vendor to create a storefront
• Basic utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and wifi
• Janitorial service for common areas
• Shared storage space

• Obtain City of Hampton business license, zoning permit, and a sign permit
• Secure their designated space against theft
• Manage own sales and sales tax allocation
• Provide own insurance
• Provide own signage, staff, merchandise, and interior merchandising
• Adhere to hours of operation and approved design specifications (provided upon acceptance)
• Adhere to all PTC rules, including but not limited to: no smoking within 20ft of entryway, no drinking, keeping space tidy at all times, no covering of fire alarms, keeping a family-friendly atmosphere, no burning candles

Important Note: Submitting an interest application does not guarantee acceptance. The City of Hampton is building a balanced pilot-cohort of retail businesses that are ready to grow and can benefit from the shared retail environment, training, and support provided through the incubator. Approved applicants will be required to sign a vendor agreement and be responsible for following all City, County, and State business requirements, obtain an inspection, as well as maintaining proper insurance coverage and licensing prior to the move-in date.

What were your gross sales amount for each of the last two years? (How much many did you make in your business total in year 1 and year 2?)

Please read the following and sign the application form below.

I hereby certify that all answers and statements made on this application are complete and accurate. I understand that any misleading, misrepresentation and/or omission of information on the application is grounds for discharge from the program.

Please sign and date below to signify your certification: