The market at KEDCO Business Studio offers opportunities for small purchases

Press Release

WARSAW Last spring, the Kościuszko Economic Development Corporation moved its offices in downtown Warsaw to the former Giverny Fitness Studio at 207 S. Buffalo Street. With the mission of convening, building and showcasing the talent, ideas and capital of Kościuszko County, with particular emphasis on initiatives aimed at development entrepreneurship, housing development and talent recruitment, KEDCO has begun construction within the walls of a new space to help realize its mission. Over the past six months, KEDCO has been on its own startup journey, planning and building the KEDCO Downtown Business Studio.

KEDCO Downtown Business Studio provides an entry point for entrepreneurs, offering space at the front door and support and access to resources as they start and grow their business. The space includes the Market Square, located on the first floor; a membership-based coworking space called The Workspace on the second floor that is perfect for entrepreneurs, remote workers or road warriors looking for an office location in County K; and KEDCO offices located on the third floor.

Downtown Business Studio offers more support for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Kosciuszko County, said KEDCO CEO Alan Tio. With offerings like The Market and The Workspace, along with KEDCO and some of our partners available on-site as resources, we strive to create community in the space, strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and remove some of the uncertainty associated with starting and growing a business.

The Market is a pop-up retail space featuring a rotating list of selected local vendors. The space provides the community with the opportunity to start and expand retail ventures, create and deepen connections, and encourages residents and visitors to shop small in the center of Warsaw.

It’s an ideal place to test the business for start-up business owners who may not be ready to invest in their own storefront, as well as for retail business owners from other countries who don’t yet have a presence in downtown Warsaw, Tio said.

The market will begin with at least seven vendors and will feature unique homewares, an assortment of artistic and handmade pieces such as functional pottery, handwritten art and leather goods, as well as boutique-style women’s clothing, locally roasted coffee beans, and more.

Local residents and small business owners, Laura Sanders with Laurel Ceramics and Melanie Woodruff from Fashion and glory recently joined the KEDCO team to help manage The Market. Sanders and Woodruff will assist with the day-to-day operations of The Market.

Mark your calendars! The market will open on Wednesday, November 15. Initial opening hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended days and hours over the holiday period. For more updates and events, connect with The Market via Facebook AND Instagram @themarket.kedco.

Learn more about KEDCO and how the organization is making an impact in Kosciuszko County by coming together Facebook, Linkedin AND Instagram @kosciuskoedc.