NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — More doors are opening for emerging business owners as Downtown Norfolk’s Selden Market at 208 E. Main St. widens its retail footprint.

With a quarter of million people passing through the retail incubator hub annually, the city is focusing on its expansion, now entering the next phase of the $1 million project with the addition of new spaces.

“We have our largest space opening with a new renovation and it has a 2,000-square-foot space that we would really love to bring something that is really for the community,” said Careyann Weinberg, director of economic vitality for the Downtown Norfolk Council. “So I’d love to see, maybe a glorified bodega, if you will. It’s something where the residents of downtown could come and grab some cheese and some fruit and milk on their way home.”

Phase two also includes décor enhancements and upgrades to the renovation of the commercial kitchen and back room spaces.

Selden Market currently houses 11 small businesses and hosts up to 16 regular long-term pop ups. Since opening in 2017, 90% of the storefronts have been minority and women-owned.

“We’re really producing an opportunity for small businesses to have a space to be able to test their products, be able to grow and essentially keep their businesses here in the city of Norfolk,” said Sean Washington, economic development director for the city of Norfolk.

The Selden Market expansion should reach completion by spring 2025.

“We have wonderful partnerships built that allow for the businesses within here to understand how to gain capital and do their books,” Weinberg said, “and be able to really feel like they’re ready to move on and establish routes that are long-lasting in our downtown or anywhere within the region.”

Selden Market regular storefront applications open in Mid-November.