Inside Manayunk Development Corporation’s efforts to nurture new businesses
By: Abigail Heuchert & Dylan Flannery • Photos by: Justin Mayer, Veracity Studios
At 106 Grape Street, the Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) has created more than just a building—it has built a launchpad for new ideas. The newly constructed facility houses MDC’s offices, the Manayunk Welcome Center, and the MDC Incubator Space. Here, aspiring entrepreneurs find more than just a storefront. The space is designed to support the development of new business ventures by offering affordable rent, along with guidance and resources to help facilitate their success. In a neighborhood as vibrant and fast-moving as Manayunk, the incubator serves as a stepping stone that helps small businesses move from concept to reality.
Supporting local businesses has always been central to MDC’s mission. While business incubators are not new, the Manayunk model is tailored to attract creative, community-minded entrepreneurs who embody the neighborhood’s spirit. Gwen McCauley, Executive Director of MDC, shared that when the building was being designed, it was always a dream to include an incubator space as part of the concept. It offers entrepreneurs a place to test their ideas in a real market without the overwhelming costs and risks of immediately opening on Main Street.
That dream became reality earlier this year when the incubator welcomed its first tenant: Cupid’s Bookshop, a shop that has already made a name for itself far beyond the neighborhood. Opened in April 2025, Cupid’s Bookshop is Philadelphia’s first brick-and-mortar romance-only bookstore and quickly became the talk of the town, earning Best Romance Bookstore in Best of Philly 2025 just months after its debut. Its inviting atmosphere, thoughtfully curated shelves, and active community events have turned it into a local destination for romance lovers and curious readers alike.
The store is the passion project of Tina Long, a lifelong reader and Manayunk resident. After working in fashion and publishing, Tina started a “bookstagram” in 2019 to share reviews and recommendations. “I always wanted to open up a bookstore,” she said. “I saw the incubator program and signed up; that really helped propel me to actually open a physical brick-and-mortar store.” While building an online community, she also ran an e-reader charm business, quietly testing the waters of entrepreneurship before taking the leap.
Opening the bookstore was a bold move, but one made possible by MDC’s incubator support. “There is a fear factor—but this is low risk, as much as possible, as a business owner,” Tina explained. “You’re not as stressed in the beginning.” With the program providing structure, mentorship, and affordability, the transition from idea to grand opening felt achievable.
Even more powerful than the space itself, Tina shared, has been the neighborhood support. “Even little things like borrowing ladders, plates, and chairs from our neighbors—it’s been super helpful to be a part of a community. I don’t think you get that in a bigger neighborhood,” she said. “It’s great to see everyone help us out and be involved.”
She’s also seen how her small business is drawing new visitors into Manayunk. “It’s funny seeing the reverse commute,” she said, noting that customers from other Philadelphia neighborhoods are making the trek to Manayunk, some for the first time, because of her shop.
Today, Cupid’s Bookshop offers a wide range of romance subgenres, hosts regular book clubs, and continues to serve as a gathering place where readers can connect, chat, and feel seen. The success of the store is exactly what MDC hoped to spark with the incubator program: local entrepreneurs gaining visibility, support, and recognition while enriching the neighborhood.
With its doors open and its first success story already celebrated citywide, the Manayunk Incubator Space is poised to become a hub of creativity, connection, and community-driven business.
One success story down, many more to come.
Who will be next?