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STATE COLLEGE -- The Downtown State College Improvement District has received the 2026 Community Innovation Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center in recognition of its Calder Way Pop-Up program.
The award honors creative initiatives that promote downtown revitalization and community development across Pennsylvania.
The Calder Way Pop-Up serves as a rotating retail incubator, giving entrepreneurs and small businesses an affordable, low-risk opportunity to test business concepts, attract new customers and grow in Downtown State College. The program also has helped fill vacant storefronts while bringing new retail experiences to the downtown.
According to the Downtown State College Improvement District, several businesses that began in the Pop-Up have since opened permanent brick-and-mortar locations in and around downtown, highlighting the program's role in supporting local entrepreneurship.
"This award recognizes the value of collaboration in creating opportunities for small businesses and strengthening our downtown," Executive Director Lee Anne Jeffries said. "The Calder Way Pop-Up would not be possible without the partnership of Comet Properties, whose commitment to this project has provided a space for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses."
The organization also recognized Kendra Kielbasa for her leadership in managing the Pop-Up program and supporting participating businesses throughout the year.
The Downtown State College Improvement District said it remains committed to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities that contribute to the long-term vitality of Downtown State College.