EMPOWERING
MONTBELLO
The Montbello Organizing Committee is committed to helping Montbello residents to further business employment and ownership opportunities, combat gentrification and create pathways to sustain generational wealth. The FreshLo Hub includes space for local retailers, nonprofit organizations and a retail incubation storefront for aspiring entrepreneurs to test products.
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Retail
Approximately 7,500 sq feet of retail space will be available adjacent to the Montbello Fresh Food Market. A percentage of the available commercial space will be reserved for local Montbello business owners, particularly female-identifying entrepreneurs and those from minority backgrounds.
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Ariel’s Café, a Black woman-owned coffee shop, will offer an extensive menu including traditional and specialty coffee drinks as well as smoothies, teas, freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and hearty breakfast burritos on the first floor of the FreshLo Residences. Ariel Elliott-Dawson, a dynamic entrepreneur and Denver native, was selected to operate FreshLo’s coffee shop based on her vision for a community-centric café and background in business, community building, and commitment to fostering local engagement.
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Building Community Wealth Incubator Space
Graduates of MOC’s 12-week Building Community Wealth Entrepreneurship Foundations training/mentorship programs will be eligible for a kiosk within the Retail Accelerator Space. This space will provide entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase new products and/or test business concepts with residents and the general public.
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Nonprofit Office and Meeting Space
Nonprofits that serve low-income Coloradoans may have access to coworking office space within the FreshLo Hub. In addition, space will be available for community gatherings and fellowship among community leaders/groups seeking to bring voice to community members.​