COMING SOON: #MADEONMOTT RESIDENCY
Your first storefront starts here
Welcome to Chinatown is launching a dedicated space for entrepreneurs who have never had a brick-and-mortar presence, but are ready for one.
Selected small businesses will get the chance to test their vision and take a leap forward with a three-month residency at our storefront incubator on Chinatown’s Mott Street.
For the business that’s been ready
Are you a rising entrepreneur with a small business made for a storefront? Know a business with loyal customers that’s perfect for brick-and-mortar?
We want to help you take the next step.
Welcome to Chinatown knows that the path to a first storefront is expensive, unpredictable, and often out of reach. Manhattan retail rent alone can cost up to $22,000 a month, and most first-timers are personally on the hook for every dollar.
We designed Made On Mott to lower the barrier so business owners that deserve a shot can test their vision without carrying the full risk.
Applications open July 6 — come back then to apply or nominate a small business for the Made On Mott Residency.
Coming Soon
#MadeOnMott
Application Opens July 6
Coming Soon #MadeOnMott Application Opens July 6
Mott St. was always made for this
For over 150 years, Mott St. has been where people arrived with an idea and left their mark. Now it’s your turn.
1858
The first Chinese immigrant to settle on Mott St. opens a cigar shop — the seed of what would become Manhattan's Chinatown.
1873
Merchant Wah Kee opened a store, a benevolent society, and a community gathering place at 34 Mott St — all under one roof. Chinatown, as New York knows it, started here.
1888
The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) establishes its headquarters at 16 Mott St., serving as an unofficial government role for the Chinatown area.
1890
Wing on Wo, Chinatown’s longest-running business, officially opens on 26 Mott St.
1938
Chinatown’s second-oldest restaurant, Wo Hop, opens its doors on 17 Mott St.
1947
Plans begin for CCBA’s move to its new HQ at 60-64 Mott St.
196os
Mott St. commerce expands onto the stretch between Grand St. & Hester St. Cantonese-style restaurant, Hop Kee, opens on Mott in 1968
2025
Flourishing businesses continue to grow in the area. Mei Lah Wah expands into 41 Mott, while Wo Hop expands onto street level with a new dining area.
2027
Your very first storefront, at 19 Mott St.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Research has shown that starting a storefront location can feel out of reach for many entrepreneurs. Commercial rent costs are high and lease terms are long. To actively address these risks, Welcome to Chinatown has identified 19 Mott Street, a prime location in Chinatown’s historic core, as the location for a permanent rotating pop-up to empower businesses to trial run their own storefront. The program’s ultimate goal is to lower the barriers to entry and enable high-performing entrepreneurs to take the next step in their business.
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The residency is a 3-month program that allows a business owner to test their brick-and-mortar vision at significantly subsidized rent at 19 Mott St. The 550 square foot space will be move-in condition.
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This upcoming program is open to non-food & beverage small businesses who have never had a storefront before. Submit your info to express interest and receive updates as the application process opens up.
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The official application process opens up July 1, and more information will be shared with those who have expressed interest in receiving updates. You can also bookmark this page or follow us on social for updates!
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Applications will be collected from July 1 through August 31, 2026. A number of small businesses will then be chosen as our inaugural cohort for #MadeOnMott. Each selected business will be invited for a ~3-month residency during 2027.
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A community panel will evaluate each applicant based on a comprehensive evaluation of their business plan, history, and financials. Applicants will also be asked to participate in a live, final interview to assess the best fit for our incubator program.
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Businesses that are selected for MadeOnMott will be required to operate their storefront for a period of three months during the 2027 calendar year, and we will share expected hours / days of operations ahead of move-in day. Those selected for residency may be asked to participate in light marketing activities supporting the MadeOnMott program.
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Yes! Welcome to Chinatown will coordinate with selected business owners for several targeted advisory sessions ahead of their residency period, to help them prep and maximize business performance during their residency.
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After the residency, we’ll continue to stay in touch and the business will be invited to Welcome to Chinatown’s entrepreneur network. If the business owner is interested in opening their own storefront, we’ll help connect you with mission-aligned landlords in the neighborhood.
Welcome to Chinatown Phoenix Guild
The Made On Mott Residency is possible thanks to support from:
