Merchant Selection Process
Be a Part of the Madison Public Market!
Hello, and thank you for your interest in the Madison Public Market. We are working hard behind the scenes to organize and engage our merchant readiness efforts.
The Madison Public Market will have a variety of vending opportunities for businesses of all sizes when it opens in 2026. From large, restaurant anchor spaces to temporary small booths, the Public Market will support vending opportunities for 130+ businesses every year. The permanent merchants for the Public Market will be selected by the Madison Public Market Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that will operate the Market. New Merchants will be announced in the Updates section of the website.
Vending spaces are a mix of single leased retail spaces, shared retail spaces, daily use retail spaces and food preparation/sales spaces.
The Madison Public Market is not accepting interest from national brands/chains/franchises.
Merchant Interest Form
Our market will offer a vibrant space to showcase your products and services while contributing to a thriving community of small businesses. We invite you to express your interest in becoming one of our tenants. Merchants interested in becoming a part of the Market must first complete the Merchant Interest Form. The Merchant Interest Form applies to any merchant, regardless of scope or business history, seeking to be a part of the Market.
The form asks for basic information about your business, including business concept and product offerings, space requirements and operational needs, and a biography of owners and key employees.
Application Process
You will be notified if we want additional information or to invite you for an interview and tour of the space. After review, a potential merchant may be invited to make a formal application that includes more detailed financial projections and historical sales revenue. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed once all materials have been submitted. We are delighted by the depth and quality of entrepreneurial talent in Madison. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we carefully review the hundreds of inquiries received to identify a balanced and complementary mix of businesses and products that will contribute to the long-term success of the Madison Public Market. While we may not be able to respond individually to every expression of interest, please be assured that all submissions are being retained, and we will contact those businesses we believe are a strong fit for the remaining opportunities within the Market.
At this time, the application process only applies to those merchants who want a continual lease up to 3 years and will be open during the market’s core hours. Those who wish to sell intermittently (e.g., one day per week; one week only; Saturdays, etc.) will be advised in the coming months on how to apply for use of a kiosk.
Why Join Us? Our market is designed to support local businesses and provide an exceptional experience for visitors. Here are some key highlights:
● Initial Core Operating Hours (all merchants must be open): Wednesday–Thursday: 11 AM–6 PM, Friday: 11 AM–8 PM, Saturday: 8 AM–8 PM, and Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM. (Closed Monday and Tuesday).
● Initial Market Open Hours: Wednesday–Thursday: 7 AM–9 PM, Friday: 7 AM–9 PM, Saturday: 7 AM–10 PM, and Sunday: 8 AM–7 PM. (Closed Monday and Tuesday).
● Affordable Rent Structure: Base rent at $10 per square foot (psf), Common Area Maintenance (CAM) at $12 psf, and 5% percentage rent on gross sales.
● Flexible Lease Terms: Minimum lease of 18 months, with negotiable maximum terms and potential renewal based on mutual agreement.
● Additional Amenities and Services: Available for an additional fee to enhance your operations.
Who We’re Looking For: We seek passionate, local entrepreneurs (no chains, franchises, or multi-level marketing (MLM) businesses) ready to contribute to a diverse marketplace. Relocating single-shop businesses are welcome. We are particularly interested in:
● Sweet and savory bakeries
● Sushi, ramen, BBQ, seafood, fresh meats, soup/salad/sandwich makers
● Produce, spices, olive oils, wine, cheese, sausages, pickles, flowers, chocolate/candy, gourmet snacks, coffee, tea, and popcorn sellers
● Prepackaged/prepared meal providers for pickup
● Natural products and herbiaries
● Artists, craftspersons and creators offering original works
● Shops offering new or multiple concepts are highly encouraged to apply.
Community Engagement: We encourage merchants to participate in market-wide delivery services, special events, and promotions to maximize their reach and success.
At this time, we are unable to review and provide feedback to your submitted information prior to that time. If you are looking for more resources to review or create your business plan, please contact these organizations:
- University of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
- Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
- Hmong Chamber of Commerce
- Madison Black Chamber of Commerce
- Latino Chamber of Commerce
You can follow us at https://madisonpublicmarket.org/news/ for updates on the Madison Public Market. We will reach out to you if any of the above information changes. Thank you again for your interest in creating a vibrant public market in Madison, Wisconsin!
If you have questions about merchant opportunities or the selection process, please review our extensive FAQs or contact us at leasing@madisonpublicmarket.org.
We look forward to learning more about your business and welcoming you to our market community.
