Apply for a Storefront!

Consider applying for MOMENT if more than one of following apply to you:

  • You're a business looking to diversify streams of revenue (i.e. wholesale, e-commerce, vendor markets etc.) and want to try a physical retail location.

  • You want to tap into a new audience.

  • You are lookin for a low barrier to entry opportunity.*

  • You are looking for a a short-term opportunity (to start) that allows you to test their business without a multi-year commitment.**

  • You have an established physical location but are looking to expand their business into multiple locations.

APPLY TODAY

* Many of our programs are in partnership with cities and business improvement districts, in which the financial expectation can be lower than market rate. Note, each program is designed separately and this may not be the case for every location. However, we want to be intentional about uplifting BIPOC, women-owned, queer and/or minority-owned small business owners by lowering the barrier of entry to have a storefront.

** Many of our programs are considered temporary, meaning they operate on a two-year lease term or shorter.

MOMENT DTSJ at San Pedro Square

Additional Info for San Pedro Square

  • The above Monthly Rent Rates are subject to change in the future though it should be noted we have never raised rent since the opening of MOMENT DTSJ in May 2018. 

  • SJMADE provides wifi and covers the cost of recycling.

  • The monthly electricity bill is split amongst the active tenants.

  • There is no access to running water in the spaces themselves.

  • There are on-site restrooms and sinks.

  • The maximum duration of stay is two (2) years. Our goal is to use this opportunity to help as many different small businesses as possible. Given that there are only four (4) spaces, we believe it's only fair that each store's stay is limited. 

  • SJMADE and its project partners can help tenants find a new storefront space at the conclusion of their lease.

MOMENT DTSJ at Paseo de San Antonio

MOMENT DTSJ at Post Street

Our Philosophy

For the amazing creative tenants who'll reside in MOMENT, we believe MOMENT could represent one of the biggest landmarks of growth in your business and brand's story.

This is what you have been working on for so long, and now here's this ample and wildly visible space to express not only your work, not only your brand but the best and boldest version of yourself.

Through San José Made, we observed creative small businesses, makers, and artists pour their heart and soul into each of your brands. Now, through MOMENT, we want to support your growth journey by lowering the barrier of entry for businesses to have a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Hear from our MOMENT graduates

  • Lynna, Woofboard

    “My time at MOMENT was a dream come true. The retail space gave me the platform to not only showcase my own products, but fellow small businesses' products that otherwise would not have the opportunity to be carried in a physical location for customers to shop. More importantly, the shop was a safe space where I was able to build the most wonderful local community. Through day to day engagement with my customers & hosting seasonal pop-up events, the moments I've had interacting with the local community are the ones I will cherish forever. We showed San Jose just how impactful the dog community is for small businesses. 

    During my 2 years at MOMENT, I was able to test daily what products work for my brand. Each season & collection taught me what works and what doesn't work for my business. Having a physical location allowed my customers to see, feel, & test out products in person rather than online or occasionally at markets. I was able to make my brand stand out with the quality & uniqueness of the products I carried with the feedback of the local community. 

    I always knew I wanted to open my own boutique and MOMENT gave me that first taste without having to jump into the deep end. With the experience & lessons at MOMENT, I was able to build a foundation and the courage to jump. Now, I'm in a new retail space in Downtown Campbell that is almost 3x the size of my MOMENT space & none of that would be possible without the MOMENT, SJMade, & the Downtown San Jose Association. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and will cherish this experience forever. “

    Visit Woofboard
    389 E Campbell Ave
    Campbell, CA 95008

    More from this Maker

  • Angie, Bobo Design Studio

    “Working with MOMENT and opening a retail shop with them has been an incredible experience as a small independent maker wanting to test out the viability of a retail brick-and-mortar. shop for my brand. More than that, it allowed me to engage with my community in a more engaged and interactive way.

    The lessons learned during my time with MOMENT were invaluable and helped me continue to grow and develop my current brick and mortar shop, bobo Palm Springs, which is my boutique stationery shop in sunny Palm Springs, CA.”

    Visit bobo Palm Springs
    750 N. Palm Canyon Drive
    Palm Springs, CA 92262.

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  • Fractal Flora Logo

    Yuri, Fractal Flora

    “If you have an itch to open your own shop, MOMENT is a relatively low risk, high value stepping stone towards owning a brick and mortar retail space.”

    Visit Fractal Flora
    1461 Park Ave
    San Jose, CA 95126

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  • Queeny, Traveling Calligrapher

    “My experience with MOMENT, SJMade, and the City of San José has been transformative. This retail space has allowed me to cultivate a thriving community around my art; selling my artwork and products, teaching, hiring, and hosting events that have left a lasting mark on my community. I’m just 10 months of running my retail shop, I experienced tremendous growth. Three years later, my online presence and art are still deeply connected to San José.

    I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to explore and grow my business in such a supportive environment. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to any artist or entrepreneur looking to take their business to the next level. I’m forever grateful for this special opportunity and the impact it's had on my journey.”

    More from this Maker

Meet our Graduates

Our Graduates

Visit a MOMENT Location!