E31 | ScalingUP with Storefront Stays

E31 | ScalingUP with Storefront Stays

From Innovation Alchemy by innovationalchemy

February 19, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 55

About this episode

Adam Castle discusses the innovative platform Storefront Stays with its founders, focusing on community revitalization and entrepreneurial growth.

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Julie Edwards and Kyla Bardwell from Storefront Stays. Storefront Stays is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Storefront Stays is a platform designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through flexible, low-risk connections. By linking storefront owners with makers, artists, and entrepreneurs, they make it simple to share space, showcase products, and create collaborations that drive revenue and visibility. This also breathes new life into a challenge many Canadian communities face – vacant storefronts that could otherwise be opportunities. Empty spaces aren’t just idle real estate; they’re missed chances for local economies. When activated by small businesses testing ideas and building momentum, they transform into vibrant hubs of community life. Learn more about Storefront Stays: https://storefrontstays.ca/ Learn…

People in this episode

Host: , Adam Castle

Guests: Julie Edwards, Kyla Bardwell

Topics covered

  • scaling
  • entrepreneurship
  • community development

Keywords

  • Storefront Stays
  • ScaleUP Accelerator
  • WEtech Alliance
  • vacant storefronts
  • local economies

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Storefront Stays

Places: Ontario

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