Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) seeks proposals for the organizing, management, activation and programming of the Canal Park social zone including recruiting retailers to fill 15 prefabricated retail incubation spaces already on site in the Monroe North neighborhood.

The program should be set to start June 11^th, 2021 and should run through October 7^th, 2021. The incubator spaces should be programmed 6 days per week (Tuesday – Sunday) with DGRI and community-developed complimentary programming running concurrently to help drive foot traffic and business opportunities.

Proposals should provide an overview of programming and potential tenants for the retail incubator spaces. Emphasis should be placed on a diverse group of entrepreneurs as well as a diverse set of business types. Proposals can be in any form; written, PowerPoint, PDF, etc. and should include relevant experience in retail recruitment, event management, place activation and community engagement. Special consideration will be given to proposals that collaborate with a variety of other community partners.

Download the full Request for Proposals for more information.

Click here for a map and additional background information the Canal Park social zone.

Email Melvin Eledge at meledge@downtowngr.org with any questions and to a response.

Digital copies of proposals shall be submitted to Mr. Eledge no later than 5:00 PM EST on Friday, May 28th.