Image courtesy of Nordblom Co.

A partnership between Nordblom Co. and Burlington economic development officials will give entrepreneurs and artists the chance to occupy a pop-up storefront at the 3rd Ave. shopping district this spring.

Pop-up consultants Up Next are seeking applications to occupy a vacant former pilates studio for the temporary summer occupancy. Grant funding from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development’s REDO [Regional Economic Development Organization] program will cover the rent, Burlington Economic Development Director Melisa Tintocalis said.

Nordblom Co. is making 277 square feet of retail space and a 1,500-square-foot back room space available for the program, which will take place during May and June.

The program enables early-stage retailers to secure a temporary brick-and-mortar footprint, potentially culminating in a permanent lease, Tintocalis said.

“It blends elements of placemaking and activation with something new and fresh, supporting a space that’s currently vacant,” Tintocalis said. 

Retail consultants UpNext are coordinating the program and application process. 

Up Next previously advised pop-up gift shop Made in Burlington in securing a permanent space at the Wayside Commons retail property.

Founded in 2021, the firm also has helped connect retail landlords and pop-up tenants in Boston suburbs including Newton, Needham and Melrose. After receiving ARPA funding this year, the program is expanding into additional communities including Gloucester, Lexington, Wakefield and Wellesley.