In Denver, a pop-up store and support for local creatives

Much the way KiosKiosk offers free pop-up space to London’s creative startups, so YesPleaseMore does something similar for Denver’s local creative economy through a pop-up store, free co-working space, networking opportunities and grants for creative entrepreneurship. Working in partnership with the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, YesPleaseMore aims to provide an economic development platform that gives participating creatives funding for new innovations, the opportunity to sell their wares, and a nurturing environment for creative entrepreneurial culture. Its pop-up souvenir shop in a vacant retail space within the Denver Pavilions, for example, features goods exclusively designed in Colorado by local craftspeople, including furniture, paper goods, clothing, jewelry, prints and art. A full 70 percent of sales at the store directly benefits local creatives, while 20 percent goes to YesPleaseMore operations and 10 percent funds programs and the group’s USD 500 starter grants, which are awarded to applicants whose projects get the most public votes. Also available from YesPleaseMore are a wifi-equipped co-working space and exhibitions and events. YesPleaseMore’s store will reportedly close up shop later this winter, but the group will continue working with local artists and organizations to nurture the city’s creative industry, which was recently named one of the top five economic producers in the state. A model to emulate in other communities! Spotted by: Brian