The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market season starts Saturday, May 4, bringing an array of vendors together with shoppers who are eager to support local farmers, artisans, service providers and food preparers.

Last year, the market offered 58 vendors throughout the season and generated more than $700,000 in sales.

Becoming a vendor is a wonderful way for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs to test out their businesses in the community, and the application process is easy.

In its 29 years, the market has cultivated a space within the Sequim community where people feel a deep sense of belonging and local entrepreneurs can flourish. One of the many successful businesses that started at The Market is Jose’s Famous Salsa.

“Selling our salsa at the Sequim Farmers and Artisans market gave us the opportunity to talk with a lot of people and find out that they really loved what we we’re making,” says Jose Garcia, owner of Jose’s Famous Salsa.

“We learned so much from that experience and now have a growing list of stores throughout the Olympic Peninsula that are selling our products.”

The market provides a launch pad for local businesses by offering entrepreneurs a low-cost, low-risk opportunity to test and refine their business model, branding, products, and services without the high overhead of a brick-and-mortar store. Market vendors also have the guaranteed foot traffic of thousands of shoppers per season, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful and lasting relationships with members of the community.

To further support new vendors and ensure an eclectic variety of products and services at the market, applicants share their business concept, samples of their product, mock-ups of their booth space, and any questions they may have with the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Jury Committee. This committee is made up of board members, current market vendors, and other members of the Sequim community who love to share their own experiences and insights with the aim of setting new vendors up for success.

This year, the market is accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout the season. Learn more at sequimmarket.com/apply.

June Claypool is the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market’s executive director. See sequimmarket.com.