Springfield airport launching small-business vendor market

A new way for small businesses to sell their products is coming to Springfield-Branson National Airport.

The airport is rolling out a concept called SGF Market that's set to debut Nov. 24, according to a news release.

SGF Market – which will operate during the airport's busiest times of midmorning to early afternoon on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays – will allow vendors to set up booths in the public part of the airport terminal. Vendors can apply on the airport's website through Nov. 4.

“Small businesses play an important role in the local economy, and our region has a history of small businesses growing into substantial corporations,” said Brian Weiler, the airport’s director, in the release. “The airport itself is an economic driver in this community, so it makes sense for SGF to create a space for small businesses to grow.”

Two applications have been turned in since the program was announced yesterday, said Joy Latimer, SGF Market coordinator, via email. She said SGF Market would be held on 12 dates, with the last on Dec. 23, and that up to four vendors would be selected for each time slot after a committee review.

“If this is successful, I think it could definitely be an annual event,” she said via email.

Latimer previously told Springfield Business Journal that the idea would be similar to a farmers market, with small businesses selling their own wares. The vendors would provide their own staffing and their own point of sale, she previously said.