fayVen
The original concept behind fayVen developed out of April and Aaron Caldwell’s gourmet popcorn business, the Princess and the Popper. April realized through that experience that there was an even greater need for a company that connected mobile and home-based businesses and artisans with businesses willing to rent space in or outside their shops.
In an effort to promote the popcorn business, they approached other businesses about setting up a table in their stores. They were received warmly because they were a part of the community, but she wondered what would have happened if they weren’t. She wondered if there was a website that would let you set up a profile and apply to different vendor events like art festivals.
“It didn’t exist,” recalls the Air Force veteran. “I thought, well then, if it doesn’t exist, I’ll just create a website.”
The process was a bit more involved than she thought, but the wheels were spinning. After relocating from Texas to the Tampa area, and entering the STRIDE program in late 2019, Caldwell was approved for a $6,000 Everyday Entrepreneurs Venture Fund grant in January.
The COVID outbreak has made people more receptive to the idea of fayVen, Caldwell asserts, because some facing financial hardships could find new venues or beef up revenue by sharing space.
“We actually go out and find the vendors that are complimentary to the space,” she explains. “We’re always on the lookout for new venues that are willing to open up to us.”
favVen is working with Lab Theater Project, Waterleaf in Riverview, and Green Bench Brewing Co. in St. Petersburg, among others.
Through it all, she hasn’t forgotten that dream of a website facilitating bookings for small businesses. With help from Florida Polytechnic University coding students, she hopes it will be accomplished by spring 2022.