Story

Retail incubator

15/09/2017 - Brussels Capital Region

The initial Atrium.brussels plan was to create a business incubator in central Brussels, capable of housing innovative projects. In order to design a model for a permanent incubator, Atrium.Lab needed to carry out a feasibility study. However, in the quest to create a viable permanent incubator, numerous questions remain unanswered. Who can use this incubator? How and under what conditions? What advantages should its users enjoy?

Various Atrium.brussels departments came together in a workshop to discuss how to support applicants hoping to open a business through an incubator scheme. The participants exchanged knowledge on supporting this type of project. By doing so, they were able to build a shared vision of retail trends and pinpoint the needs of future business owners. This is how the Value Proposition Canvas was created. This method enabled them to establish a vision of a business incubator tailored to the genuine needs of its future users.

As a result of this workshop, three concrete incubator scenarios were modelled. Thanks to the District Contract for Chasse-Gray in Etterbeek, one of these scenarios came to fruition: “Auberge Espagnole” Business owners have the chance to set up a pop-up shop in a dedicated premises fora few months. They benefit from mentoring and affordable rent throughout their project. The business owners, supported by Atrium, can use this as a springboard to continue their project and open a permanent business. A victim of its own success, we are currently developing new incubators and seeking the resources to open one in the near future...

“This meeting enabled us to clarify the issues, detailing everything point by point. Ideas were thrown in all directions until we clearly pinpointed the questions. The aim was to rapidly build a clear overview of the retail incubator project. It was intense and focused, but it didn’t matter- we approached the reflection process with a playful mindset. ”

Julien Bacq Chief Research & Development Officer