Update
23 March 2020
It is with sadness but with safety in mind that we decided to close the Scullin Traders due to the COVID-19 virus.
Given the uncertainty around the pandemic and with the safety of our volunteers in mind our 100% volunteer run project will shut its doors.
We feel confident this is the right decision, and will let us come back from a strong position – in whatever form is needed – after the pandemic is resolved.
In the meantime, be kind to each other and please do stay connected with us via our social channels.
What was the Scullin Traders?
The Scullin Traders was our Community Entrepreneurship Hub that was at the Scullin Shops from May 2019 until March 2020.
As part of our goal to change the vibe of the Scullin shops, we sub leased a pop up at the front half of the wholesale bakery at the Scullin shops. The baker didn’t need the whole space so wanted to sublet, we have about 39m2 at the front of the space.
The Scullin Traders was home to Choku Bai Jo produce, delicious treats, Long Paddock eggs, beautiful flowers and a range of gifts and artworks – all from local creatives.
We were becoming known as perfect spot for gifts: ceramics, cards, prints and larger artworks from local artists, jewellery, Canberra-authored books and gorgeous ‘living’ presents: magnificent indoor plants from Canberra greenery gifters Planted or gorgeous fresh flowers from local florist Kettle n’ Petal.
What did it look like?
Amazing! Mostly because Emily Brindley (co-owner of the Braddon cafe Sweet Bones) is one of our residents and was a key member of the setup. Emily knows how to make a space look good, and how to run a business. Em also has wonderful connections in Canberra’s small business community, so we heavily leaned on her skills during setup in May 2019.
See here to find Scullin Traders all over the Canberra media and learn more about the project.
How was the Scullin Traders funded?
In various ways. We pay $250 per week rent. We also paid expenses like electricity, internet and various other costs involved in running a shop.
Our micro businesses and creatives either paid a small weekly rent or a percentage of sales in exchange for the space.
We also ran a workshop program called Scullin Traders Creative that hosted events from macrame to kokodama.
Has this been done before?
A community renting a shopfront to draw other businesses to their shopping strip, in an effort inspire other businesses about what could be done and help other businesses success?
We don’t think so!
But that’s why it was worth doing. The ACT Government also thought so: the Chief Minister’s Fund allocated us $5000 towards the project. We were so grateful for this show of faith and funding that enabled us to pay for a lot of the setup costs.