Portsmouth’s Bloom Market Celebrates a Successful First Year

Posted on by Department of Housing and Community Development

Bloom Market, Portsmouth’s nonprofit retail accelerator, recently celebrated its first anniversary with an outdoor vendor market that drew a vibrant crowd. The milestone event showcased the creativity and talent of local artisans, makers, and creatives who have benefited from the program’s support over the past year.

Since its launch, Bloom Market has empowered emerging local talent by providing retail space, business support, and mentorship. Over the past year, 18 Bloom Market vendors successfully completed the Retail Alliance’s Certificate of Retail Operations Program (CROps), equipping them with essential skills in marketing, product design, sales, data analytics, and operations. This commitment to professional development, combined with the market’s unique model—allowing vendors to retain 100% of their sales—has generated over $37,000 in revenue for small businesses.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact Bloom Market has made in just one year. This celebration highlights the dedication of our artisans and the strong demand for unique, high-quality local products.” – Michelle Wren, Executive Director of the Portsmouth Partnership

Bloom Market’s success is closely tied to the impact of Bloom Coworking, a dynamic workspace designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners. Thanks to critical funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), including $100,000 from the Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant and $197,000 from the GOVA Regional Economic Resilience and Recovery Program, Bloom Coworking was able to renovate its space, offer subsidized rent, and provide wraparound supportive services and technical assistance to underserved business owners.

Additionally, Portsmouth is now participating in the 2025-2026 Mobilizing Main Street Program Cohort, a two-year initiative by DHCD’s Virginia Main Street program that helps communities build a comprehensive downtown revitalization strategy focused on grassroots leadership and preservation-based economic development. This program will strengthen Portsmouth’s downtown district and support local businesses.

Bloom Market and Bloom Coworking exemplify the power of community-driven economic development. With continued support from DHCD resources, they remain committed to fostering creativity, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening Portsmouth’s economy.

Way to go, Bloom!

Image Credit: Portsmouth Partnership