Mayor Greg Verga, with partners Action Inc. and UpNext will host a
ribbon cutting for the latest season of Project: Pop-Up Gloucester at 206 Main St. in Gloucester
on Thursday, April 25th at 1 p.m.
The renewed program highlights the success of the concept for the City’s downtown. It began
as a creative solution to bring retailers back into physical store space and continues to offer
opportunities for small businesses. The pop-up model run by UpNext gives business owners the
chance to operate at the prime downtown spot for several weeks at subsidized rates. After the
set time, another “season” of business owners move in.
This season welcomes three unique businesses: The Willow Witch, Masshole Biscuit Co. and
That’s the Tea Boutique.
The Willow Witch’s owner Kat Coomer said, “I am to not only expand my reach but also to
solidify my brand’s presence within the local community. By establishing roots in a physical
location, I envision forging meaningful relationships with neighboring businesses and becoming
an integral part of the community fabric.”
This grant-funded initiative allows time to test their business models in the city without the
commitment of signing a lease or buying a property. The entrepreneurs are also given
resources to help seed their success through funding in part from Gloucester’s Community
Development Block Grant.
The owners of Masshole Biscuit Co. said, “Through Project Pop-Up, we hope to gain a broader
audience base and a better understanding of what is needed to open a permanent brick &
mortar location.”
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHO: Mayor Greg Verga, UpNext, Action Inc. and business owners
WHAT: Ribbon cutting ceremony for Project: Pop-Up Gloucester Grant Program
WHEN: Thursday, April 25th at 1 p.m.
WHERE: 206 Main Street, Gloucester, MA
