Chief Philanthropy & Strategy Officer at The Corporation for Findlay Market
Today, the 2nd Street Market in Dayton and Findlay Market in Cincinnati are among the most visited destinations within their downtown and Main Street ecosystems. These iconic public markets have become engines of entrepreneurship, supporting local food vendors, artisans, and small businesses while creating vibrant community gathering places that reconnect residents and visitors to the urban core. Attendees will learn how public-sector vision, adaptive reuse, strategic partnerships, and market-driven programming transformed obsolete infrastructure into thriving civic and economic assets. The session will explore how public markets can serve as catalysts for entrepreneurship, placemaking, and downtown revitalization, providing communities with a proven model for cultivating local businesses while creating authentic destinations that drive foot traffic and long-term economic growth.
Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market and one of Cincinnati's most cherished institutions, welcoming more than one million visitors each year. Located just blocks from downtown in Over-the-Rhine, a dense historic neighborhood rich in 19th century architecture, Findlay Market remains the bustling center of farm fresh, locally sourced, artisanal and specialty foods. Open Tuesday through Sunday year round, Findlay Market is home to more than 50 full-time merchants selling meat, fish, poultry, produce, flowers, cheese, deli, ethnic foods and more. On weekends, the Market also hosts a thriving Farmers Market, a vibrant Outdoor Market, numerous street performers and several special events. Findlay Kitchen is a non-profit food business incubator located in the heart of the historic Findlay Market district. Findlay Kitchen supports food entrepreneurs looking to start, grow and scale their businesses by providing affordable access to 14 licensed commercial kitchens, commercial-grade kitchen equipment, and ample storage space.Since opening in 2016, Findlay Kitchen has helped nearly 300 food entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses as a mission-driven program grounded in principles of inclusivity and equity. Committed to reducing systemic barriers that limit access to opportunity, Findlay Kitchen supports entrepreneurs with higher barriers to entry in the restaurant industry. TICKET REQUIRED. This session has been approved for AIA LU credit.