Well, I’m back after my sabbatical of 16 days. This gave me lots of time to think and plan for 2011. First thing I’m thinking of doing is a workshop for the potential, and possibly the existing vendors for the Rockford City Market. There is has been so much talk about the success of this event. I was so glad I was able to be a part of it. I’m thinking that the workshop should include a variety of speakers that will focus on booth design; public health issues; sales tax issues; presentations to the selection committee and more. There were almost 50 booths last year and the committee hopes to expand to 75-100 this year. It should be interesting and fun.
This market is a great place for both start-ups and existing businesses. Start-ups can use this as a low-cost method of product development and testing; and those that are in existing businesses can use the market to gain more exposure for their existing store-fronts regardless of where they are located.
Just a special note, based on the City Market Survey completed last September the top four “wants” from the customers are ethnic prepared foods (47.2%); more fresh produce (43.2%); international grocery (38.4%) and delis (28%).
If you are interested in being a vendor contact the Rockford City Market at www.rockfordcitymarket.com. If you would like more info on the upcoming workshop watch the SBDC website at www.rockvalleycollege.edu/sbdc . Hope you had a happy holiday!
Creating the Creative Business 