• DE-RISK YOUR ENTRY INTO LOS ALAMOS RETAIL OR FOOD/BEVERAGE

• RUN A RETAIL POP-UP STOREFRONT RENT/UTILITY-FREE 

• FREE BUSINESS TRAINING PROGRAM  

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Los Alamos MainStreet, in partnership with New Mexico MainStreet, the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, run the Los Alamos Business Accelerator Program thanks to generous sponsors. The program's goals are to increase in independent retail stores in Los Alamos’ downtown core, which will create a more dynamic and interesting place for residents and visitors to enjoy; help diversify the greater Los Alamos economy; build the entrepreneurial class and ecosystem of the area; and fill vacant storefronts.

Individuals accepted into the Los Alamos Business Accelerator program participate in a complimentary training program (Phase I), and then qualify to apply for a brick-and-mortar pop-up to test their concept (Phase II). The program also covers business merchandising display costs, insurance and marketing costs.

Please Note: In 2024, only Food & Beverage participants will be eligible for Phase II, but any business can apply for Phase I workshops. A Food & Beverage Residency Program is being established in consultation with Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op.

PHASE I - Combine skills-building curriculum, cohort style learning and networking structure, advisement and mentorship from the broader Los Alamos ecosystem. Example topics that will be covered in the 7-week program include Business Model & Customer Discovery; Branding, Marketing & Social Media; Business Process; Ordering, Inventory, Layout & Sales; Organization & Accounting; and Building Your Company (Culture & Workforce).

Participants will meet once a week on Wednesday evenings and should expect to reserve 5:30-7:30 p.m. on their calendars, which will include training, as well as time for Q&A and networking (and some sessions will not take up the entire time).

PHASE II - Real-world platform to test market viability and consumer adoption of business concepts. After conclusion of Phase I training, participants will be given the opportunity to meet with a review committee to present their retail or F&B concept and showcase the work they have completed. From this review process, candidates will be chosen to use a retail/restaurant space for a pop-up. While operating their pop-up, they will have access to specific advisers familiar with opening and running a retail business and connections to the broader entrepreneur and small business resource ecosystem.

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BACKGROUND

The inaugural program launched in 2021 with financial support from the New Mexico Economic Development Department LEADS Grant, LANL Community Partnerships Office, New Mexico MainStreet, and Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation (LACDC - the umbrella organization for Los Alamos MainStreet and the Chamber of Commerce). It resulted in four new retail storefronts in Los Alamos County: Little Studio on the Mesa, Samizdat Bookstore & Teahouse, Inspired Jewelers, and Wheeed! In 2022, the program helped open locations for Wolf & Mermaid Enchanted Roasters and Los Alamos Golf & Games.

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