Skip to main content
Peoples Bank Barkley Branch

Entrepreneurial Talent to be Showcased in New Downtown “Peoples Marketplace” Sponsored by Peoples Bank

August 15, 2019

Michael Machado - Commercial Banking Officer at the Peoples Bank Wenatchee Financial Center

Michael Machado - Commercial Banking Officer at the Peoples Bank Wenatchee Financial Center

Wenatchee, WA – August 1st, 2019 – The Wenatchee Downtown Association, the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce and Peoples Bank announced a new collaboration to launch the inaugural Wenatchee Peoples Marketplace, an incubator space that will give local entrepreneurs a fully subsidized retail “test-bed” for selling their products. The space, located at the former Mills Bros storefront at 10 S. Wenatchee Avenue, will open on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2019, and remain open through the Christmas holiday.

The Peoples Marketplace was conceived by Michael Machado, a commercial banking officer at the Peoples Bank Wenatchee Financial Center, who wanted to bring fresh energy to an empty storefront at an attractive downtown location. Peoples Bank will sponsor the “pop-up” space for one month and work with business leaders in the community to give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to have a brick and mortar retail experience free of charge. Several entrepreneurs will share the space at once offering a variety of products.

“This concept fits perfectly with Peoples Bank’s goals of supporting local economic development and investing in the success of the communities where our customers and employees live and work,” said Machado. “It is also an opportunity for us to partner with likeminded business leaders and nonprofit organizations to contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown commercial district.”

The Wenatchee Downtown Association is currently soliciting applications from local entrepreneurs who are interested in taking part in this opportunity. It is working with the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Wenatchee Valley College Center for Entrepreneurship, NCW Economic Development District and GWATA to promote the space.

“This kind of innovation helps our community grow and change by supporting a culture of makers, creators and vendors alike. It also strengthens and enriches our downtown experience, a cornerstone of the Downtown Association’s mission in the community,” said Linda Haglund, Executive Director of the Wenatchee Downtown Association.

Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2019. For more information, please visit www.wendowntown.org.

Posted in:

5 Star RatingPeoples Bank is rated 5-Stars by Bauer
Rating as of March 2024
| bauerfinancial.com