M&T Bank has started its “Spotlight Shop” concept in the state to provide small businesses with a chance to showcase their products from a pop-up space.
The concept is launching in Bridgeport, at Captain’s Cove Seaport, but will periodically move to different locations around the state.
Spotlight Shop is a 240-square-foot modular retail space with folding walls that can be moved to various locations. Businesses from around the state will take turns using it for two-week periods.
Frank Micalizzi, M&T’s Bridgeport regional president, said it is a way for the bank to support small business owners.
“We are committed to helping small businesses grow,” Micalizzi said.
The first businesses to be featured include Leisha’s Bakeria, a Bridgeport bakery owned by Leisha Young, and El Coquito, a family-owned Puerto Rican restaurant in Bridgeport. Both are M&T Bank customers.
Young said she feels fortunate to get her business more exposure.
“My business depends heavily on word-of-mouth and foot traffic,” she said.
The plan is for additional small local businesses to be added there over the next month, then Spotlight Shop will move to a new Connecticut location.
Spotlight Shop first started in Baltimore in 2019, and went virtual in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The virtual version proved popular, and will run at the same time as the physical location in Bridgeport, according to an announcement.
Connecticut Business & Industry Association President and CEO Chris DiPentima said the CBIA is pleased to see the bank’s program give local businesses exposure.
“The Spotlight Shop is a unique way to showcase small businesses in Connecticut and help them grow,” DiPentima said.
The bank also recently announced the launch of a Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in Bridgeport, a seven-week program kicking off in September to help multicultural business owners succeed.
The Spotlight Shop will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., weather permitting.
Visit Spotlight Shop’s website at https://www3.mtb.com/spotlightshop for the latest information and locations, or follow on Instagram @mandt_spotlightshop.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
