The Shoppes awarded $25,000 grant to support small businesses

The Shoppes in Guthrie has been awarded a $25,000 operating grant from The Hartford to strengthen its retail incubator program and continue supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in the community.

Operated by the City of Guthrie’s Department of Economic Development, The Shoppes provides affordable retail space for micro-businesses and startups, giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to test their business concepts, reach customers, and build toward establishing permanent storefronts.

The grant is part of The Hartford’s 2026 Operating Support Grants, which provided $25,000 awards to three established accelerator sites to strengthen their operations and expand their reach within their communities.

Grant funding for The Shoppes will support professional development and business certification training, targeted regional marketing, and community events. The efforts are designed to help current tenants grow their businesses while also supporting former tenants as they transition into permanent storefronts.

“As a leading insurer of more than one million small businesses, The Hartford understands the vital role they serve in our communities, and we are proud to go beyond the policy to support their success,” said Chris Jones, head of Small Business at The Hartford. “Through our partnership with Main Street America, we are helping remove barriers to growth by expanding access to flexible, affordable accelerator spaces where entrepreneurs can build experience, reach new customers and contribute to downtown revitalization.”

The Shoppes sits on what was once a vacant lot left following the loss of a historic building. The site, known locally as “The Cottages,” features seven retail units and two food vendor spaces.

The development also serves as an event venue and community gathering place, with an open-air event park, pavilion, pocket park, picnic tables, flower beds, trees, and restrooms.

The design is intended to encourage foot traffic and create a shared community space while providing an affordable entry point for Guthrie’s newest entrepreneurs and makers.

The grant will allow The Shoppes to expand its business development opportunities while continuing its role as part of Guthrie’s downtown revitalization efforts.