SOMA Living February 2024

THE CO-LAB When creativity and commerce intersect, it enhances the neighborhood, creating inspiration and community building experiences. That’s the belief behind the recent opening of The Co-Lab at South Orange. Located in the heart of downtown South Orange the co-retail space is designed to support local entrepreneurs and creatives launching their brick-and-mortar businesses. Founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, The Co-Lab acts as an incubator, creating growth opportunities for small businesses within the surrounding area by mitigating some of the start-up cost hurdles. The investment involved with making the Co-Lab possible was made at no expense to South Orange tax paying residents. In addition to providing a space for entrepreneurs, The Co-Lab offers a collective, cooperative, and collaborative space for the community, through events and workshops. Bringing this project to life has been a joint effort involving volunteer leadership from residents, the South Orange Village and South Orange Downtown. It has been a great learning experience building on the original concept, defining the mission, and hiring a consultant to execute our launch. Developing an equitable application process for local businesses was very important for us. We made it a point to hear from every interested business owner. Their perspectives taught us a lot about the startup needs of the local small business.

Today the marketplace of shops inside The Co-Lab have reported positive sales since their Small Business Saturday preview. Each shop owner continues to make improvements to their products while learning about their customers. In the age of big box retailers, the small batch artisans and entrepreneurs are finding their lane as shoppers are proving they still appreciate unique goods. The Co-Lab at South Orange will host the South Orange Downtown Ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 3rd, at 11 am. This will mark the official opening of the unique space, which aims to foster a thriving community marketplace. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore an array of curated products from independent makers that bring a unique flavor to the South Orange retail landscape. We hope you continue to shop small, shop local with us soon.

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