Vacant to Vibrant Pop-Ups have Been Extended and Applications Are Open for the New Cohort!

Written By Nisha Gulati

8 of the original 9 pop-up locations participating in the first-ever cohort of the Vacant to Vibrant program have extended their stay beyond the initial 3 month term. Applications are being accepted for Cohort 2 launching later this year. 

We are excited to announce that the success of the Vacant to Vibrant program now includes tenancy extensions for eight of the nine pop-up storefronts following a successful initial three-month term.  

The Vacant to Vibrant program was developed through a partnership bringing together Mayor London N. Breed, the City of San Francisco’s Office of Economic Workforce and Development (OEWD) along with support from presenting sponsor Wells Fargo, for the future of Downtown San Francisco. 

"Vacant to Vibrant is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we work together with non-profit and community partners to deliver creative solutions to our challenges,” said Mayor London Breed. 

“We have the space to support our small businesses and property owners who are committed to supporting our City, and the results prove that this is working.”    

Vacant to Vibrant Pop-Ups Extending Beyond Initial Three-Month Term   

“In 2023, Vacant to Vibrant proved that small businesses are a key part of downtown recovery. We created a pathway for the economic and cultural vibrancy of San Francisco’s beloved neighborhoods to become a part of downtown, filling vacant storefronts in the Financial District with small businesses, artists and cultural organizations,” said Simon Bertrang, SF New Deal Executive Director. “We are pleased to announce that Vacant to Vibrant will continue in 2024. Building on the success of the program, we are bringing a new cohort downtown and expanding the reach of the program so that everyone throughout the city and across the Bay Area can envision downtown as a vibrant neighborhood full of diverse and thriving small businesses.”   

Building on the success of the first cohort of pop-ups, OEWD and SF New Deal are actively accepting applications for this year’s cohort to fill more vacant storefronts Downtown later this year. The next set of pop-ups will expand the program’s footprint with more locations that will be designed to offer engaging and inviting spaces and experiences.    

“The future of San Francisco is really bright, and I want to be a part of the revitalization,” said Hilary Passman, Owner of Devil’s Teeth Bakery. “This has been an awesome opportunity to get our foot in the door. Vacant to Vibrant got us into a space that we never could have gotten into pre-pandemic, and has brought many new and diverse businesses Downtown.”      

Applications remain open for small businesses, artists, nonprofits and others interested in bringing a pop-up to Downtown through the program, as well as for property owners and managers interested in hosting a pop-up in their space through the program. Applicants can apply via the program’s website until February 23, 2024 for consideration in the next cohort. Applicants who have previously applied who were not selected in the inaugural cohort will automatically be considered in the coming round.       

Vacant to Vibrant is a new program for SF New Deal and for the City of San Francisco, and the feedback and experiences shared by participants in the inaugural cohort are shaping the continued evolution of the program.   

Visit www.VibrantSF.org or call (415) 480-1185 to learn more and find out how to get involved including through sponsorship, follow along on Instagram and TikTok at @VacantToVibrant.  

Nisha Gulati
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