We want to diversify the downtown area and become permanent storefronts, but we need your help!

We each applied and were approved for the Open on Main Retail Initiative  in 2022. The Downtown Memphis Commission’s OPEN ON MAIN Initiative pairs emerging retailers and entrepreneurs with vacant storefronts in Downtown. The program is designed to help retailers test their market-strategies and to create a stronger retail ecosystem and better pedestrian experience in our core city. The spaces available provided us with rent-free opportunities for tenants to temporarily showcase their businesses on Main Street (usually, one month or longer).  (Source: www.downtownmemphis.com)

Now, we have an opportunity to apply for two grants, an Exterior Improvement Grant and the Retail Improvement Grant, that can provide structural and cosmetic improvements and help us secure a multi-year lease at our shared location. 

The structural improvements will be reimbursable, but we would need to make an upfront investment. We also hope to make an upfront investment for a multi-year lease that will allow our businesses to grow and thrive in an ideal location.

There are currently few black-owned children's book and toy stores in the Memphis. There also aren't many custom-apparel shops in the city either. Our location will also be ideal because the area will soon experience exponential growth, including the opening of the new Cossitt Library, Brooks Art Museum, and Tom Lee Park.

Link to our Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kifaniandnobasis/kifani-press-book-store-and-no-basis-co