Lifestyle marketplace Open Market is the latest small business to operate out of the Navy Yard’s storefront incubator program
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (June 16, 2026) – The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) announced today the launch of the second small business pop-up at its Yard Opportunity Shop (YOS) storefront. Open Market, a lifestyle marketplace championing BIPOC business owners and creators, officially opened its Summer Atelier on June 4 and will operate throughout the summer.
Launched in February 2026, the YOS retail incubator program gives small, minority-and-women-owned businesses (M/WBEs) an opportunity to operate out of a designated retail space at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on a three-month rotation. The program is the Yard’s most recent initiative to strengthen the local small business ecosystem and drive inclusive economic growth across Brooklyn and the greater New York City community. The first business to operate out of the Yard, health-focused specialty bakery Monshe, concluded its rotations at the Yard Opportunity Shop and has gone on to expand its offerings at a summer pop-up in Orchard Beach.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Open Market to the Yard Opportunity Shop. Their mission to uplift small business owners and celebrate the diverse cultures of entrepreneurs across the country strongly aligns with Navy Yard’s vision,” said Lindsay Greene, president and CEO of the BNYDC. “It’s a privilege to support innovative and inclusive businesses like Open Market and introduce them to the Brooklyn community.”
Founder Imani Schectman launched Open Market in 2020 as a then-virtual lifestyle marketplace centered around showcasing emerging BIPOC entrepreneurs and the cultures that shape them through a curation of products in the wellness space, including beauty, home décor and accessories. The Summer Atelier features products from 15 unique brands designed and will have a series of community-focused activations starting July 25.
“I built Open Market to elevate BIPOC creators and help their brands thrive. Having a brick-and-mortar space to bring people together has always been a goal of mine, and I’m thrilled to embark on this experience at the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” said Schectman. “The Summer Atelier [at the Yard Opportunity Shop] is a beautiful celebration of culture and creativity, and I can’t wait to share the works of these amazing emerging brands with the broader Brooklyn community.”
Open Market’s Summer Atelier at the Yard Opportunity Shop will be open in Building 92 through August 22. The shop will be open to the public during the following hours:
- Wednesday 10 – 7 PM
- Thursday 10 – 7 PM
- Friday 12 – 7 PM
- Saturday 10 – 7 PM
- Sunday 10 – 6 PM
- Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
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About Open Market
Open Market works to close the gap by implementing comprehensive strategies that advance financial and technological empowerment. Through accessible tools, education, and resources, Open Market help entrepreneurs strengthen their foundations, scale sustainably, and compete confidently in an evolving marketplace. Thoughtfully designed events showcase the diversity and innovation of BIPOC- and POC-owned businesses, giving them the visibility and recognition they deserve. By expanding reach beyond geographic limitations, Open Market empowers underrepresented founders to scale their businesses, amplify their stories, and participate in a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem rooted in equity and opportunity.
About the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation
Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) is a not-for-profit corporation that serves as the real estate developer and property manager of the Yard on behalf of its owner, the City of New York. BNYDC’s mission is to fuel New York City’s economic vitality by creating and preserving quality jobs, growing the City’s modern industrial sector and its businesses, and connecting the local community with the economic opportunity and resources of the Yard. BNYDC helps connect local talent to quality jobs via the Albert C. Wiltshire Employment Center and the Brooklyn STEAM Center high school located on the campus. BNYDC’s vision is a vibrant and dense, modern manufacturing community where businesses are provided the stability they need to invest, grow, and thrive and where diverse candidates can attain quality jobs. Brooklynnavyyard.org