[RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC – November 1, 2024] – Are you ready to bring your creative retail concept to life? Boxyard RTP, the experiential dining and retail destination in the heart of Research Triangle Park (RTP), today announced applications for its PopBox program are open now through January 10, 2025. Now in its fourth cohort, the PopBox program aims to provide small businesses with valuable exposure to a brick-and-mortar environment, equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools for success and connecting them with the RTP and Triangle communities.
In partnership with NC IDEA, a foundation committed to empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential, and Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF), stewards of RTP, PopBox presents a unique opportunity for four carefully selected imaginative and interactive retail concepts. NC IDEA promotes sustainable economic development through competitive grants and programs, providing support to entrepreneurs when they need it most.
PopBox is looking for innovative businesses, from artist studios and community-focused boutiques to pet shops, beauty brands and more. Whether you’re an independent designer, a jeweler, a candle maker or a calligrapher, PopBox offers a platform for creative brands to thrive.
“Joining the PopBox program was a game changer for my jewelry brand. Having a physical space allowed me to connect directly with customers and share the story behind my pieces. The support and exposure I gained were invaluable and have played a crucial role in my growth.” says Layla Christie, Owner of Gold Clover Company.
Since launching in 2021, the PopBox program has awarded more than $60,250 in funding and retail space to 12 small businesses. Selected participants join a network of support as they engage a diverse and dynamic audience. Through PopBox, recipients benefit from a brick-and-mortar setting designed to jumpstart brand growth while minimizing the financial and operational risks of launching a physical location. Past participants have successfully leveraged these resources to refine their offerings, expand their reach and build lasting community connections.
For the fourth cohort, a total of $27,000 will be awarded to four businesses, each receiving a $6,750 micro-grant and a six-month residency in a 320-square-foot pop-up retail space within the Boxyard RTP development. The application period is open from November 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Eligible applications include small retail businesses that can engage the RTP and Triangle communities with creativity, interactivity and a unique brand experience. Pop-up residencies will span from August 2025 to September 2027.
About Boxyard RTP
Discover a unique retail, food and entertainment venue at Boxyard RTP, located on the western side of Hub RTP, Research Triangle Park (RTP) ‘s 100-acre downtown district. First opened in 2021, Boxyard RTP offers a dynamic indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage comprised of 40 upcycled shipping containers where visitors can unwind and enjoy an experience unique to the Triangle region. Committed to social entrepreneurship, Boxyard RTP collaborates with a mix of hyper-local vendors to feature diverse offerings. Voted Durham Magazine’s 2023 Best of Durham: Large Venue for Live Music, Boxyard RTP enhances the cultural landscape of RTP through a robust event program that includes live music, comedy nights, and more, accessible to people in and out of RTP. Owned and managed by Research Triangle Foundation, a 501(c)(4) non-profit, the Foundation’s mission is to facilitate collaboration among the Research Triangle universities, promote cooperation between Research Triangle universities and industry and create a positive economic impact for residents of North Carolina.
To learn more about Boxyard RTP and upcoming events, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org.
About NC IDEA
NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to equitably empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through our powerful combination of competitive grants and programs and a network of strategic partners, we help entrepreneurs when they need it most. NC IDEA’s resources are highly competitive, enabling the Foundation to support North Carolina’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. We believe entrepreneurs transform communities and view our work as a catalyst for positive change.
About Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
At the heart of North Carolina’s economic growth, Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, has led the strategic vision and development of Research Triangle Park (RTP) since 1959. RTF fosters transformative collaborations among universities, industry, government and the workforce, while attracting the world’s most innovative companies and top-tier talent to the region. By promoting groundbreaking research, scientific advancements and technology-based innovation within RTP, RTF supports quality job creation and strengthens North Carolina’s economic landscape. As the steward of RTP – the nation’s largest research park – RTF prioritizes connection and is reimagining the region with projects like Hub RTP, RTP’s new vibrant downtown destination that cultivates a community where people can live, work, play and stay. Recognized with consecutive Triangle Business Journal Leaders in Diversity Awards (2023 and 2024), RTF champions sustainable growth and inclusivity as pillars of RTP’s legacy and future.
To learn more about Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, visit https://rtp.org.
Media Contact
Ana Velez
Marketing Manager