RETAIL

Partner to Empower

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Brookfield Properties is committed to partnering with, empowering, and providing resources for business owners of color.

Partner to Empower is a program dedicated to helping break down the systemic racial barriers that members of our communities face. To support furthering equity in retail, we help business owners of color, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander Americans, open brick-and-mortar stores in our malls by providing:

  • RETAIL WORKSHOP: A tailored, four-week Retail Workshop led by industry insiders

  • NETWORKING: Networking opportunities with retail experts and other growing businesses

  • MENTORSHIP: One-on-one business planning and lease negotiation guidance

  • STORE OPENING SUPPORT: Support and funding opportunities through the store opening process

Success story: Behind the scenes at Dessert Beauty & Cosmetics


Our program at a glance

  • 91

    malls participating nationwide

  • 264

    businesses attended the Retail Workshop

  • 65

    total stores opened or under construction

Applications will open again in May!

Stay up to date on the latest program news, and application windows, or check out our resource page for retail tips in the meantime.

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Is this program right for you?

See our U.S. mall portfolio

We’re looking for business owners of color, including but not limited to Black, indigenous, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander Americans, that:

  • Are interested in opening a store within the Brookfield Properties U.S. mall portfolio.

  • Have the correct funding to support their business operations and inventory outside of the funding that the program provides for store build-out expenses.

  • Want to sign a license agreement — ideally for a minimum of two years.

  • Are available to attend the Retail Workshop, our virtual, expert-led course on all things business and brick-and-mortar retail.

Retail workshop

Meet our team of industry experts

Our four-week virtual Retail Workshop is a master class on all things business and brick-and-mortar retail. Led by industry experts, the workshop will cover topics such as building business plans, business banking, marketing, staffing, store operations, leadership, and more — and the best part: it's included at no cost for all accepted applicants. Accepted applicants can select which Retail Workshop session they would like to attend:

  • July 8 - August 2

  • September 23 - October 18