A Collective Approach to Local Entrepreneurship  by Mark Minkjan
Locally owned shops were once cornerstones for products,
services, employment and social networks in urban neighborhoods.
The rise of automobiles, franchises and Internet shopping has
forced many out of business or into niches that don't correspond
with the needs of their local communities. However, in some
cities they're seeing a resurgence due to creative initiatives
that link grassroots activism with public- and private-sector
resources.  The Van der Pek neighborhood in Amsterdam. Source:
Design as Politics  In February, a special kind of shop opened
in Amsterdam's Van der Pek neighborhood. It is called the
Wisselwinkel, meaning "shift shop," because it hosts a new local
entrepreneur every six months. If this trial period goes well,
the entrepreneur receives assistance in setting up a more
permanent location in the neighborhood.  Louise Went. Source:
Amsterdam Museum The Wisselwinkel is the brainchild of a young
activist collective named Mam