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Posted: Wed 1st Jul 2026
Taking on a shop is a big step. Even a short lease can mean rent, rates, stock, fittings, insurance and a load of pressure to make the numbers work quickly.
For a small business that's mainly sold online, at markets or through word of mouth, it can feel like too much too soon.
That's why Enterprise Nation and EDF Small Business have opened their new Powering Local Businesses pop-up shop.
The pop-up space in Dukes Lane, Brighton gives independent founders a chance to try physical retail without the usual cost and commitment.
The shop opens on 2 July 2026 and runs until 26 July, with a mix of sustainable, female-founded brands taking turns in the space.
The idea is simple. Give small businesses a real shop, in a busy location, and let them learn from actual customers.
The first brands to take up space in Dukes Lane are Onyx Studio and Elwin Studio.
Onyx Studio was founded by Erin Rose Cain and makes homeware from pigmented concrete. The pieces include planters, dishes and small home accessories.
They're the kind of products people often want to see and touch before buying, which makes a physical shop especially useful.
Alongside Onyx Studio is Elwin Studio, founded by Emily Elwin. The brand makes British-made knitwear using natural fibres and small-batch production.
Emily says:
"We're focused on timeless, sustainably made clothing produced in the UK. It's about circularity and longevity rather than fast fashion."
That kind of product can benefit from being seen up close. Customers can feel the fabric, ask about how it's made and understand why it costs what it does.
Those conversations are harder to recreate on a product page.
The second group of founders will move into the pop-up in mid-July. They include:
Wild Wipe, founded by former nurse Caitlin Dean, which makes reusable hygiene products for women on the move
Natrie, founded by professional cleaner Lauren Daly, which sells a range of non-toxic, refillable cleaning products
Àníké Lifestyle, a London-based home fragrance business founded by Bisoye Adedayo
For Lauren, Natrie came from years of working with cleaning products and seeing the problems they could cause. She says:
"Before launching Natrie, I ran a sustainable cleaning company and became increasingly worried about the health effects of conventional cleaning chemicals on both cleaners and consumers."
Her products are concentrated, vegan and cruelty-free, and made with people with sensitivities, eczema and asthma in mind.
That backstory is important. In a shop, Lauren can explain it properly.
Customers can ask what's in the products, how they work and why they're different from the cleaning products they already have under the sink.
The Brighton pop-up is part of Powering Local Businesses, a programme from Enterprise Nation and EDF Small Business that supports local firms across the UK.
It's aimed at local businesses in different sectors and different settings, whether they trade from a shop, sell online, run a service-based business or do a bit of everything.
Support through the programme includes pop-up opportunities, expert-led events, podcasts, blogs, grants and practical guidance.
The wider package is worth £40,000 and includes sustainability grants, free EV chargers and expert support. There will also be 25 additional £1,000 cash grants and five £5,000 awards for energy-efficient equipment.
Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation, says:
"Many small businesses want to explore retail space but are put off by the risk and commitment involved.
"This initiative gives founders the opportunity to test new markets, connect directly with customers and gain valuable experience in a supportive environment."
Claire Nutt, director of small business at EDF, says:
"Small businesses are the backbone of local communities, and we want to help give them practical opportunities to grow.
"The Brighton pop-up shop will allow businesses to test physical retail, reach new customers and build confidence without the usual barriers and costs."
The pop-up shop is open in Dukes Lane, Brighton from 2 July to 26 July 2026. To find out more about the campaign, visit the Powering Local Businesses page
