The Collab Exchange Initiative is a Retail Coop Hybrid Business model with the purpose of placemaking and creating a unique shopping experience in otherwise undesirable retail spaces. The co-op aims to reduce the risks for its members by offsetting the start-up costs and helping to launch brands of local creatives and entrepreneurs who are engaged in producing quality merchandise in Bridgeport. Through partnerships, we seek to educate, develop, and create an innovate approach to retail and entrepreneurship with our coop members and become a strong advocate for the creative gig economy.