LaunchPad

CIC is excited to partner with the Charlottesville City Market, Market Central, and the Charlottesville Office of Economic Development to provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to gain experience, share their products, and connect with the community.

LaunchPad gives local entrepreneurs access to Charlottesville farmers’ markets for the 2026 season. Preference is given to vendors in the Greater Charlottesville region with connections to CIC, CVSBDC, SCORE, GO Start Up, or similar partners. Stall fees are waived for up to 24 market appearances, split across participating markets. After that, vendors can continue at a 50% discounted fee, subject to capacity.

The program helps vendors gain real-time selling experience, feedback, and relationships, and decide if joining as a full-time vendor is the right fit.

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 farmers’ market season.

Test selling at local farmers’ markets!
What are the benefits to participating in LaunchPad?
  • Complimentary market stall fees (one-time registration fee required).
  • A designated spot at your assigned market.
  • Essential equipment: 10 x 10 tent, 6-foot table, and two chairs.
  • Opportunity to test products and receive customer feedback with minimal commitment.
  • Valuable exposure to the local community.
  • Support from CIC and market management teams.
How does this program work?
1. Eligibility & Selection

  • Preference is given to local entrepreneurs in the Greater Charlottesville region with connections to CIC, CVSBDC, SCORE, GO Start Up, or similar partners.
  • Vendors may participate in up to 24 market appearances, split across participating markets. After that, they can continue at a 50% discounted fee, subject to market capacity.
    • Charlottesville City Market |  3 stalls available, up to 6 appearances
    • Farmers in the Park | 1 stall available, up to 6 appearances
    • Farmers Market at IX | 2 stalls available, up to 6 appearances
    • Starr Hill Market | 2 stalls available, up to 6 appearances
  • These slots are intended for those looking to gain experience in this environment.

2. Application & Onboarding

  • Create a profile on Marketspread, search for markets in Charlottesville, and submit your application.
  • Attend a brief Interest Meeting with CIC to confirm eligibility and review program guidelines.
  • Approved vendors will receive onboarding materials, including the LaunchPad Guidebook and a worksheet to track market participation.

3. Participation & Expectations

  • CIC and Market Managers monitor participation to ensure vendors attend no more than six appearances per market.
  • Partners submit monthly updates on client participation/attendance to CIC.
  • Vendors must comply with market rules, maintain professional setups, and follow cancellation policies.
  • CIC will provide advance notice to market partners when vendors are approaching or have reached their free-market attendance limit.
What are the participating markets?

LaunchPad at Charlottesville City Market

100 E Water Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | April – November: Saturdays, 9am to 1pm

LaunchPad in the Park (Farmers in the Park)

1300 Pen Park Road, Charlottesville, VA | May – September: Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm | October: Wednesdays from 3pm to 6pm

LaunchPad at IX

522 2nd St STE, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | April – October: Saturdays, 8am to 12pm

LaunchPad at Starr Hill

Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | Sundays, 9:30am to 1:30pm

How much does it cost?
  • Charlottesville City Market and Farmers in the Park: $35 registration fee
  • Farmers Market at IX and Starr Hill Market: $25 registration fee
  • Market stall fees are waived for eligible LaunchPad participants for 24 weeks
How should I prepare?
  • Review market rules and FAQs.
  • Complete pre-application via CIC.
  • Set up a Marketspread profile.
  • Prepare product displays, marketing materials, and any required inspections (VDH, VDACS).
  • Plan transportation and setup according to the market schedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
  • Cancel through Marketspread by Wednesday for the upcoming weekend.
  • After Wednesday, contact market managers directly.
  • Repeated violations may result in the loss of your LaunchPad space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help you prepare for LaunchPad, download a copy of the frequently asked questions and their responses here.

Where can I find additional resources?