In a major initiative to strengthen local entrepreneurship and broaden retail opportunities downtown, Downtown Frederick Partnership and SOUL Street announced the launch of the city’s first-ever Retail Incubator, powered by grant funding from the Truist Foundation.
The incubator, a first-of-its-kind program in Frederick, is designed to help emerging retail entrepreneurs take their first steps in brick-and-mortar commerce with affordable space, business training, mentorship and operational resources. Located in the historic Federated Charities building at 22 S. Market Street, the incubator will host up to three business participants at a time for up to 12 months.
SOUL Street: Community Leadership at the Core
Central to the incubator’s mission is SOUL Street, a Frederick-based collective of Black business owners and community leaders. SOUL Street will manage day-to-day operations, coordinate hands-on training, and provide mentorship to participating entrepreneurs — extending its well-established work supporting vendors, makers and emerging entrepreneurs in the Frederick area.
Catherine Dorsey, Board President of SOUL Street, framed the incubator as not just a chance for Black-owned businesses, but a platform for all diverse and emerging entrepreneurs seeking a path into downtown retail. “The incubator space allows us to support not just Black-owned businesses but other diverse businesses while ensuring that all businesses who need a hand up or a foot in the door are given the opportunity,” she said in the press release.
Opening Doors in 2026
Applications for the first round of Retail Incubator participants are set to open in spring 2026. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit downtownfrederick.org/retailincubator for more information and updates.
Photos: Ali Chaturbhai