Big Ideas Start Here: Selden Market Opens Retail Proposal Applications!

Image provided by Selden Market

Open your Business in An Award-Winning Environment

 NORFOLK, Va. – (May 2026) – Selden Market is now actively accepting proposals for storefront retailers in Downtown Norfolk. As one of the area’s most vibrant marketplaces, Selden Market features local shops, food, rotating pop-ups, and community events in a thriving and supportive environment.

Established business owners who have operated brick-and-mortar locations for at least three years are eligible to apply as anchor/mentor tenants, with year or longer leases at below-market rates.

Emerging businesses with less than three years of experience are encouraged to apply to the incubator program, which offers low rent, six-month leases with the option to renew for up to three years, along with business education classes and mentorship offered in-house, online, and through the Norfolk State Innovation Center and the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center.

Applications are open to all retail, food and beverage, personal service, and most business-to-consumer concepts. Available spaces range from approximately 350–715 square feet. Rent includes utilities, Wi-Fi, waste management, and more. Rates range from $500 to $1,200 for anchor/mentor businesses and $400 to $1,000 per month for incubator businesses. 

NEW: A 2,100 sq ft storefront is available for an established anchor tenant ready to make a major downtown impact.

Interested businesses can submit a concept proposal and application by May 25, 2026. Anchor/mentor concepts may request special consideration, including deadline extensions, via email. Full details, FAQs, and applications can be found at http://seldenmarket.com/become-a-tenant/apply.

Applicants must submit a visual proposal, pitch deck, and/or business plan. Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Financial stability and access to capital

• Realistic financial exploration and basic understanding of business economics

• Quality of brand design and execution

• Business management experience

• Originality of concept (especially for Downtown Norfolk)

• Product and service quality

• Product and service packaging and design

• Anticipated space design, layout, and materials

• Marketing strength

• Customer and community engagement

Finalists will undergo a short interview process before selections are complete. Business owners with additional questions can email seldenmarket@downtownnorfolk.org. Selden Market will also host several open houses and preliminary application review days on the following dates:

Thursday | May 7^th | 12pm 

Thursday | May 14^th | 6pm 

Thursday | May 23rd | 12pm

“We’re excited to build opportunities afforded by the recent renovation and are looking for a diverse mix of both new and established businesses to join us,” said Selden Market General Manager Natalia Ramos “We’re especially interested in innovative or first-to-market concepts. Experiential retail and savory fast-casual food concepts are always popular, and we’d also love to see ideas like a toy store, florist, ice cream shop, boutique, a stationery/art supply store.”

Selden Market is also seeking to activate its central kiosk spaces with short-term pop-ups and longer-term rotational tenants. These flexible opportunities are ideal for brands looking to test concepts, build visibility, and engage directly with Downtown Norfolk’s steady flow of visitors and community traffic. Full details and to apply can be found at linktr.ee/seldenmarket

Selden Market, an award-winning retail incubator from the Downtown Norfolk Council, is a unique opportunity that allows business owners to test ideas and concepts with low rent and low-risk options and has become a model for cities throughout the United States. It features an eclectic mix of high quality, small businesses with a majority of women- and minority-owned shops. Connected to Hilton Norfolk The Main, Selden Market serves as a premier destination for visitors, locals, and downtown residents, just steps from Waterside, Nauticus, Town Point Park, and the cruise terminal. Selden Market businesses are open Mon., Wed., Thurs., Sun., 11 am-5 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-6 pm. Some stores hold additional hours during the week. Stay up to date on Selden events, announcements, and more on their Instagram accounts. 

Selden Market is operated by Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) a private, not-for-profit membership organization comprised of businesses and individuals working toward a dynamic, attractive, and prosperous Downtown. DNC also manages the Downtown Norfolk Improvement District, a 50-block special services district with enhanced services that keep Downtown friendly, safe and spotless. Connect with Downtown Norfolk on Twitter