Church Street in Bengaluru blossoms into a hub for small business

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In the heart of Bengaluru, there's a special place called Church Street. It's a bustling area known for shopping and nightlife.

But lately, it has become much more than that—it's now a hub for small businesses and friendly connections. On weekends, Church Street comes alive with small stalls set up by entrepreneurs.

These passionate individuals showcase their creative products, from stickers for gadgets to beautiful postcards. They love meeting people face-to-face and hearing their thoughts, which helps them improve their offerings.

In the past few months, Church Street has also become a platform for small business owners to market their businesses. During the weekends, at every corner of the street, there are small business owners who have set up their stalls, either with a foldable table or a mat on the floor.

The street has become a place where small entrepreneurs and customers can interact in person about their innovative products. A law student who sells theme-based stickers for laptops, phones, iPads, twowheelers, and cars started his side hustle by selling his stickers on Church Street.

The law student who owns and runs The Sticker Stall said, "I've always enjoyed interacting with people in person, and I get the chance to do that here every weekend. This is an amazing place for people to start their businesses and build a larger customer base.”

A photographer and artist who sells postcards on Church Street said, "I'm not here for the promotion or the market. I'm here to interact with people."

The pandemic left many people feeling lonely, and they craved human interaction. This street is providing people with the human interaction they need.

A heartbreak poet, Rudresh Jayaram who published his first book of poems after his breakup said that this street has given him an opportunity to show his work to people in person.

Rudresh Jayaram who has authored the book, “Blooming Chaotically” is a collection of 100 poems that helped him heal and grow through his heartbroken journey.

Owner of another small business Plan.Gi, which sells table-side indoor plants shared his view of how it is always better to interact in person with the customers. He also expressed his satisfaction with most of his sales in Church Street during the weekends even if online sales are a little slow.

This entrepreneurial spirit has made Church Street a vibrant community. As word spread, more people joined in, and the area flourished. Entrepreneurs are beginning to collaborate to help each other grow and thrive.

Bengaluru, as a city, recognised the value of this transformation. They embraced Church Street's role in supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy