Fraport USA is expanding its innovative program LaunchPad, giving local startups and small business owners the chance to get involved with the retail program at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland.
The first LaunchPad businesses opened at BWI Marshall Airport in 2017, with merchandise ranging from accessories, hair and beauty products and herbal teas to women’s fashion.
This year, two or more new local entrepreneurs or small business owners will be invited to participate.
Following an application process, the selected retailers will receive 12-month leases for a kiosk along one of the airport’s busiest concourses. They will also receive additional resources, training, and sales and marketing support. After a successful year, two retailers already at the airport are preparing to enter a second year at the airport.
Brett Kelly, vice president at Fraport Maryland, said, “We are pleased with the initial results and positive response to the program. We also congratulate our first-year operators for running their small businesses and bringing an exciting array of local products and services to the airport. This successful pilot opens the door for more local startups and small businesses at the airport.”
Ricky Smith, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport, added, “LaunchPad gives local startups an opportunity to do business in one of the region’s most dynamic retail environments, exposing their brand to millions of visitors in BWI Marshall Airport.
“Our customers can support these local operators and experience the best of Baltimore and Washington.”