Small Business Pop-Up Residency at Boston Tea Room

The Amethyst Room is a short-term pop-up retail experience for emerging entrepreneurs ready to take on the challenge of operating within an established brick-and-mortar business.

  • The Amethyst Room Small Business Program provides selected entrepreneurs with a mini retail space within Boston Tea Room’s flagship store for a period of three months. This rental agreement includes a monthly fee significantly lower than current market prices. As well as one hour of private mentorship per month of residency from BTR owner Heatherleigh Navarre or program lead O’neka Nixon. To be considered, check out the requirements section below.

    Participant Benefit:

    The program provides emerging entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn and gain feedback from BTR’s knowledgeable owner. While simultaneously promoting financial inclusion, increasing mutual business growth, and encouraging community engagement.

  • • 9’ x 9’ enclosed room with door and window

    • Free Wifi

    • One hour of 1 on 1 mentorship per month of residency with BTR owner Heatherleigh Navarre or project lead O’neka Nixon.

    • At the start of the residency, “Meet the Business Owner” promotional posts across all of Boston Tea Room's social media accounts.

  • • Sign a license agreement detailing the terms of participation in the Amethyst Room Incubator Program.

    • Monthly rent is $400 per month, with a 3-month residency ($1200 per quarter).

    • Ability to cover the cost of move-in, display cases, racks, signage, etc. for the rental space.

    • Operating for at least one year and is a registered legal entity in the State of Michigan.

    • Have staff onsite during all hours of operation (at least 4 days a week, 6 hours a day).

    • Provide your own POS payment process during business hours.

    • Hold an opening and/or closing party. Open and operate the store for special events and occasions.

    • Abide by all space rules of Boston Tea Room (cleanliness, order, etc.)

    • Actively promote the amethyst room residency and drive traffic to the space.

    • Submit an exit survey including sales data at the completion of residency.