Ten small businesses including Consigliere, Delta’s, and Sweet Jeans have been awarded the Retail Reactivation grant. Invest Newark plans to announce another round of recipients this summer. Here are a few other unique spaces that are expanding..
“The ES550 expansion embodies our commitment as founders to amplify opportunities for diverse founders whether in tech and innovation or entrepreneurship,” –
Citi Medina (right) and Ralphie Roman (left), co-founders of EqualSpace
=Equal Space
The unique co-working offices at Equal Space are expanding thanks to aid from Audible’s Business Attraction Program as well as Invest Newark’s Retail Reactivation initiative. In addition to the flagship space in the modest, narrow, 8-story historical building at 89 Market Street, the co-founders of Equal Space opened a second location within 550 Broad Street, a swanky downtown office building with modern ceiling-to-floor windows in many of the suites. The co-working spaces primarily serve entrepreneurs of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Going beyond just a place with a desk, chair and a conference room, Equal Space offers podcast studios, and multimedia facilities. The owners are working on a “state-of-the-art event space” for 300 people.
“This grant is about more than money. It’s an opportunity to bring a real jolt of energy to this city, to build an excitement and enthusiasm that will help revitalize downtown—we are the heart of Newark.”
-Walter J. Green, III, majority owner
Uncle Willie’s Wings
Uncle Willie’s Wings is such a community favorite that it is now expanding to a third location. Owned by Newark resident Walter “Uncle Willie” Green, this wing shop is in the corporate plaza of the Junction at Gateway as well as in the neighborhood on Bergen Street. With the Retail Reactivation grant, Green is looking to open another retail location.
“I chose to expand and grow Casa de Flora Bar in Newark because this vibrant city, rich in character and culture, is experiencing rapid growth and offers a diverse community that perfectly aligns with our vision.”
~ Maritza Walton
Casa De Flora Bar
Owned by Maritza Walton, Casa De Flora is a one-of-a-kind flower shop and café all in one. The first location is nestled in the heart of Bloomfield, New
Jersey, where the owner sells floral bouquets, as well as coffee, mocktails, pastries, salads, sandwiches, and soups. The cafe is seeking to expand to downtown Newark. The second location of Cafe De Flora Bar will offer private events and host Sip & Clips (a floral therapy experience where you build your own bouquet at the bar and sip on wine, champagne, or mocktails).
Reporting by Jason Green, Joscelyne Quiridumba, and Mahima Aktar
