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Tool Kit
So, you’ve decided to start a new business. Or maybe your current business is ready to grow. Whatever the case may be, you find yourself in need of a brick-and-mortar space, a physical location to take your small business to the next level.
It’s a big step, but don’t worry, Graffito has you covered: We’ve created this guide using our team’s 15 years of collective experience in leasing, advising, economic development, and developing retail real estate in Greater Boston and beyond. From selecting a space and design team to working with landlords and brokers, our tool kit will guide you along the way.
We have written this manual with the perspective of a retailer/restaurateur in mind — that’s you! — to take you from the planning stages to the opening of your business. We’ve also tailored our recommendations and glossary through an equity lens, trying our best to put ourselves in the shoes of a first-time business owner who may not have access to expert resources due to systemic racism and discrimination, landlord biases, and high-transactional barriers of entry to retail real estate. We don’t always encounter those barriers in our work, but we know they do exist for many small business owners.
Feedback on this guide is always welcome. Graffito hopes to provide a valuable road map that will help you tackle common challenges and take the right actions needed to bring your project from great idea to a grand opening.
We’re building a more robust, online version of this toolkit, which should be completed in late 2024. Until then, please download a version of our Tenant Roadmap by clicking the button below.