Test trading market stall scheme
The Bromley ‘Test trading pop up’ pilot scheme is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local innovators by providing an affordable, low-risk environment to trial products and services in a real market setting.
The project is being delivered by Opportunity Bromley in partnership with Bromley Council, Start Up Bromley and Your Bromley BID.
Whether you’re launching a new idea, refining your offer, or exploring new customer audiences, this scheme gives you the opportunity to test, learn, and grow before committing to a permanent space. Through access to temporary trading opportunities, mentoring support, and valuable customer feedback, participants can build confidence, strengthen their business model, and take the next step towards sustainable growth.
The pilot scheme creates a practical pathway for entrepreneurs and related business support activity (e.g Start Up Bromley), by providing real-life opportunities for progression. Businesses taking part will also be supporting Bromley Charter Market as a busy and vibrant part of the town centre, helping to increase footfall and ensure a range of independent traders are available for residents and shoppers in Bromley.
What can you expect?
Successful applicants will be offered affordable access to the market stalls on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for a period of 2 weeks at a high footfall location within the Bromley Charter Market in the Town Centre. This will enable businesses to test the viability of their products/services and inform their business/pricing model, along with awareness of the competition.
Other benefits include:
- Flexible, short-term trading opportunities
- Exposure to real customers in a live environment
- Support and guidance from experienced teams with the opportunity to join a local business support network
- Opportunities to refine your product, pricing, and brand
Who should apply?
The scheme is open to entrepreneurs and businesses who have a connection to the Borough, including:
- Members of Start Up Bromley
- Start-up and existing scale-up businesses
- Creative entrepreneurs and makers
- Anyone with a new or unique product or business idea
- Online retailers looking to move into physical retail
All businesses must have a minimum of one million public liability insurance cover
No prior market experience is necessary - just passion, commitment, and a willingness to engage with customers.
What’s the process?
Step 1 - Interested businesses must review the test trading market stall supporting guidance notes and complete the online application form.
Step 2 - The completed Test Trading Market Stall application forms will be evaluated by a panel, who will consider the merits of the applications, while looking to ensure a mix of businesses are involved.
Step 3 - Once the scheme is closed, applicants will be notified and successful businesses will be allocated a slot if they have been selected. You may also be invited to attend an induction session, if required.
Step 4 - Traders commence on the Market Stall for a two-week slot
The indicative timelines are as follows:
- Friday 19 June - Test Trading Market Stall application window closes
- Week commencing 22nd June - Applicants are informed and successful businesses are briefed about the scheme and invoiced
- Thursday 2 July - Initial cohort of businesses commence trading for a period of two weeks each on the Test Trading Market Stall
- Saturday 8 August - Final cohort of businessess cease trading on the Test Trading Market Stall
Join a growing community of local traders and take your first step towards establishing your presence in the marketplace!
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