Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the continuation and expansion of St'Artup317, the City's first retail accelerator program connecting local brands with prime real estate opportunities in Indianapolis. Retail brand owners, artists, and makers are invited to apply for the chance to secure a 6-12 month lease in one of in one of the two storefronts that will be available at the historic Stutz building this summer.

"The essence of St'Artup 317 is simple: unite our city's vibrant talent of entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators with underutilized retail spaces in historic locations like the old Stutz factory," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "When we foster equity in the retail landscape, we not only empower individual business owners, but it allows our visitors and residents to see the diverse spirit of Indianapolis firsthand."

Launched in 2018, St'Artup 317 originated as an innovative tool supporting Mayor Hogsett's Downtown Resiliency Strategy. By aligning brands, established businesses, startups, and artists with prime vacant and underutilized properties, St'Artup 317 demystifies the commercial leasing process and creatively address the needs of landlords and small businesses alike in a way that contributes to the success of our Downtown. This innovative program secured private commercial real estate for short-term, pop-up retail ventures in key commercial corridors. It also supported iconic pop-up stores, art installations, and event activations during major events such as the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend and 2021 March Madness Tournament.

"The creative economy will directly benefit from this unique and innovative inclusive economic city-sponsored incentive," said Catherine Esselman, Founder of Cat Consulting and Program Director for St'Artup 317. "A retail storefront at The Stutz, among some of Indianapolis' most iconic brands and venues, gives brands a great runway to scale and grow."

In 2022, St'Artup 317 secured over 1000 sq ft at the historic Stutz building through a public-private partnership with the building's current developer, Somera Roads. This partnership afforded St'Artup 317 with two prime storefronts that now serve as "accelerator" spaces for local retail businesses looking to take the next step in their business journey. As a part of St'Artup 317's accelerator program, local businesses can position their brand in front of Stutz residents and visitors through a 6 to 12-month lease. In 2023, St'Artup 317 welcomed its first 317 Accelerator brand to the Stutz. WDRFA, an Indianapolis-based lifestyle brand, has consistently elevated design and style across a diverse range of products, including apparel, leather goods, and drinkware.

"I think it was a great opportunity to really challenge ourselves and take the next step for what we want for WDRFA," said WDRFA Co-owner Gary Patterson. "It was a great experience for us. It was a great partnership because now we've been introduced to a broader audience and a chance to connect deeper with the people who have supported us over the past 8 years."

Applications for two retail spaces are currently open. Indy-based entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply now for an opportunity to secure a spot at the Stutz this summer, or to receive notifications for additional opportunities as they become available.

For information about past brands, or to learn more about how to make your pop-up a success, visit www.startup317.com.

To receive ongoing updates or to connect with the St'Artup 317 community, follow @Startup317 on Instagram.

In 2022, the Hogsett Administration awarded $12.3 million in TIF funding for the district-style redevelopment of the Stutz, which now features a mix of retail, food and beverage, and office space. In addition to the St'artup317 Retail Incubator, the City's partnership with SomeraRoad includes locally commissioned art as part of the Public Arts for Neighborhood Program, hosting GANGGANG's BUTTER - a multi-day fine art fair - for free over the course of three years, and other ongoing programming that supports Indianapolis' creative economy. Much like the Public Art Installation Program, the Stutz also houses the innovative Creative Entrepreneur Residence program. SomeraRoad unveiled four dedicated suites in July 2023, which have already become home to exciting talents such as Romanus Records and Boxx the Artist. One suite has been transformed into a photography studio, offering free space for the local creative community.