Hialeah is offering businesses one year of free rent — if they’re willing to move into a city-owned building.
Under the Palm Centre Business Opportunity Program, “local entrepreneurs and small businesses” will be able to establish storefronts at the city’s Palm Centre property, which is located at 240 E. First Ave. “Select businesses” could see their first year of rent covered, according to an Instagram post by the City of Hialeah and Mayor Bryan Calvo.
The initiative is intended to “support new and growing businesses,” according to the website for the City of Hialeah Development Services. It’s an attempt to “encourage economic activity,” and “activate commercial spaces” in the area.
“What we’re doing is: We’re going to let you move in and open up your storefront for free, for one year,” Calvo said. “We’re looking to bring exciting new businesses to our city, such as specialty coffee shops, maybe some Pilates and yoga studios, gyms, restaurants, boutiques or anything else that you can think of.”
Though some of the storefronts are already vacant, the proposed initiative would not allow remaining tenants to renew their leases, according to the Miami Herald, as the city is looking for businesses that “fit a different vision for the area.” The city intends to begin reviewing applications immediately, in order to have tenants ready to move in when the current leases expire.
Interested parties should fill out an application and follow the included submission instructions.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
