Test the high street without the risk: apply for a free pop-up shop in a prime Brighton location

For many small business owners, taking the leap into physical retail can feel like the unknown. Rent, contracts, footfall uncertainty… it’s enough to make even the most ambitious founder hesitate.

That’s exactly why EDF Small Business and Enterprise Nation have launched a new opportunity designed to remove those barriers and help you test, learn and ultimately grow your business.

Introducing the Brighton pop-up shop

As part of the next phase of the Powering Local Businesses partnership, EDF Small Business and Enterprise Nation are offering small businesses the chance to take over a prime retail space in Brighton’s Duke’s Lane - completely free.

Running from 29 June to 26 July 2026, the initiative gives selected businesses a two-week residency in a busy high street location. The aim is simple - build visibility and try retail without the usual commitment.

Whether you’ve always wanted to see your products on the high street, or you’re curious about expanding into new locations, this is your chance to experiment in a low-risk, high-impact way.

Why this opportunity is different

Pop-up shops aren’t new - but free short term ones are!

This initiative has been created specifically to help small businesses:

Test physical retail without upfront costs
Try a new location as part of expansion plans
Reach new audiences in a vibrant location
Build confidence selling in person
Learn what works before committing long term

In short, it’s a practical way to learn by doing - not just planning.

What you’ll gain from the experience

Taking part in the Brighton pop-up is more than just a sales opportunity - it’s a chance to build valuable business insight.

During your two-week slot, you can:

See how your products perform in a physical retail environment
Speak directly with customers and understand their needs
Test pricing, messaging and product displays
Build local brand recognition and awareness
Trial promotion techniques to drive footfall

How can you get involved?

The process has been designed to be simple and accessible.

How to apply:

Visit the application page
Check the eligibility criteria
Complete a short application form (takes around 5 minutes)

You’ll be asked things like:

Why you want to take part
What you hope to learn
How you'll attract customers to the space
How this fits into your long term plans

You can also submit a short video to showcase your business and why you want to be part of this unique opportunity.

If selected, you’ll need to:

Set up your pop-up space
Create excitement and drive customers in
Make the most of the opportunity to sell and connect

What else do I need to know?

It's totally free
Spaces are limited and close the middle of June so make sure you get your application in
You'll share the pop-up shop with different businesses who have also applied to help create even more of a buzz
Enterprise Nation have done this before and it was a success (hence we’re rolling it out as part of Powering Local Businesses)
You'll be asked to bring your own stand and branding - there'll be help and guidance around this
You'll be empowered to drive footfall to the shop

Why you should apply now

Opportunities like this don’t come around often - especially not in a sought-after location like Brighton’s Duke’s Lane.

Applications are open now and will close in mid-June, don’t miss out.

👉 Apply here.

Testing new ideas is essential to growing a small business - but it shouldn’t come with overwhelming risk.

This pop-up shop gives you the chance to try something new, gain valuable insights and move your business forward - all in a supportive, accessible way.

If retail has ever been on your roadmap, this could be the perfect place to start.