Built by you. Supported by Akron.
Bring your products, your passion, and your story to a marketplace built to celebrate Akron's entrepreneurs and connect local businesses with a community that wants to support them.
The heavy lifting of launching your business is behind you. Now comes the exciting part: sharing it with the world.
Choose Akron Marketplace is a curated collaborative retail space where local shoppers meet the faces behind the brands. We believe that retail should be relational, not just transactional. By bringing Akron’s best independent businesses under one roof, we’re creating a destination that celebrates local talent while giving your brand the visibility it needs to reach the next level.
Your Business Deserves to Be Discovered
Creating a great product is tough. Scaling a brand around it is even tougher.
Most local entrepreneurs don't struggle because of product quality. They struggle with the heavy lift of traditional retail:
High Overhead: Commercial storefronts and leases are expensive.
Limited Reach: Reaching new local shoppers takes time and ad budget.
Time Constraints: Running operations leaves little room for standalone marketing.
Choose Akron Marketplace was built to solve that. We aren't just filling shelves—we’re creating a shared space where independent creators gain foot traffic, community backing, and room to scale.
When small businesses grow, Akron grows with them.
Visibility
Place your products in front of residents, visitors, gift buyers, and customers who what to support local businesses
Community
Connect with other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow within an environment created to encourage collaboration
Growth
Build a physical retail presence without carrying the full cost and daily responsibility of operating a traditional store
We're Looking for People Like You
Whether you're just getting started or already growing, we'd love to meet the people creating Akron's next great products.
• Artist •
• Jewelry Maker •
• Author •
• Illustrator •
• Coffee Roaster •
• Boutique •
• Soap Maker •
• Woodworker •
• Potter •
• Candle Maker •
• Baker •
• Specialty Food •
• Clothing Brand •
• Home Decor •
• Handcrafted •
• Fragrance Maker •
• Stationary •
• Youth Entrepreneurs•
Don't see yourself on the list?
If you're creating something meaningful, we'd still love to hear your story.
More Than a Marketplace
Shelf space is only one part of what we're creating.
Choose Akron Marketplace is designed to become a place where businesses become known, stories are shared, and community grows.
Step 1: Tell Us About Your Business
A simple introduction that takes about three minutes
Step 2: We'll Personally Review It
Every submission is thoughtfully reviewed because every entrepreneur deserves to be seen
Step 3: Let's Have a Conversation
We'll talk about your products, your goals, and whether we're the right fit for one another
Step 4: Build Something Bigger Together
If selected, we'll help you prepare for opening day and welcome you into the marketplace community
A Letter to Akron's Entrepreneurs
Every thriving city is built by people who are willing to create something before anyone knows whether it will succeed.
I've met incredible entrepreneurs throughout Akron — artists, makers, bakers, designers, and dreamers who pour their hearts into what they create.
My hope is that Choose Akron Marketplace becomes more than a place to shop. I want it to become a place where our community discovers the people behind the products, celebrates local talent, and invests in the future of our city.
Thank you for considering becoming one of our Founding Makers. I'd be honored to build this with you.
— Candace Love
What We're Building Together
Imagine a place where someone can discover a local candle maker, find a meaningful gift, meet the entrepreneur behind a new brand, learn about an upcoming neighborhood event, and leave feeling more connected to Akron.
This is the vision for Choose Akron Marketplace.
It will be a place where:
Local products are easier to discover
Entrepreneurs receive meaningful exposure
Residents can shop with greater intention
Visitors can experience a more authentic side of Akron
Business stories are preserved and shared
Every purchase becomes an investment in someone's dream
The marketplace is one part of a larger effort to connect Akron's businesses, neighborhoods, organizations, events, and people.
When one local business becomes stronger, the entire community benefits.
Every Business Has a Story Worth Telling
Customers don't just buy products.
They buy passion.
Purpose.
Craftsmanship.
Connection.
One of the things that makes Choose Akron different is our commitment to telling the stories behind the business we feature.
We don't just display products. We introduce Akron to the people behind them.
Contributing Makers may be invited to participate in:
Business spotlights
Founder interviews
Professional photography
Community features
Gift guides
Newsletters
Social campaigns
Website stories
Because we believe every entrepreneur deserves to be known — not just what they make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Local makers, artists, creators, product-based businesses, specialty retailers, and entrepreneurs interested in reaching customers through a shared marketplace may apply. Final eligibility requirements will be confirmed by the Choose Akron team.
Do I need an established business?
The marketplace may include both emerging and established businesses. Applicants should be prepared to provide consistent, retail-ready products and conduct their business professionally.
What types of products will be accepted?
Applications will be considered based on product quality, presentation, category balance, marketplace fit, customer appeal, and alignment with the Choose Akron vision.
How much does it cost to participate?
Participation options and pricing will be shared with selected applicants once the final marketplace structure is confirmed.
Will I need to work inside the marketplace?
Seller responsibilities, staffing expectations, inventory procedures, and participation requirements will be explained before an applicant commits.
Who handles customer purchases?
Final point-of-sale and payment procedures will be provided to approved sellers during onboarding.
How much inventory will I need?
Inventory expectations may vary by product category, display size, price point, and sales volume. Approved sellers will receive preparation guidance.
Will Choose Akron promote my business?
The marketplace is intended to increase business visibility, but specific promotional opportunities are not guaranteed. Selected sellers may be considered for interviews, social features, newsletters, shopping guides, events, and other storytelling oppurtunities.
Can food businesses apply?
Food and beverage businesses may apply. Acceptance may depend on product type, packaging, shelf stability, required licenses, health regulations, and marketplace capabilities.
Does applying guarantee acceptance?
No. Applications will be reviewed to ensure the marketplace offers a balanced, high-quality, and cohesive shopping experience.
When will the marketplace open?
The opening date and onboarding schedule will be announced once final operational details are confirmed.
Can businesses outside Akron apply?
The marketplace is intended to strengthen Akron and it's surrounding entrepreneurial community.