A new market planned for Soledad gives South County small businesses a place to grow.

Celia Jiménez here, thinking about the array of local vendors we can find at various markets across the county. It’s on my mind after learning that Soledad is working to bring a year-round Saturday market called El Mercadito, or “the little market,” as a way to boost economic development not only in the city, but South County as a whole.

A successful holiday market in 2025 sparked the idea.

The plan is a collaboration between the city, Soledad Chamber of Commerce and the Monarch Small Business Development Center, which helps entrepreneurs launch and expand their businesses in Monterey, San Benito, Merced and Mariposa counties. 

The outcome of the holiday market, which had about 25 vendors selling goods and food on Front Street in Soledad, surprised vendors and organizers. Some vendors sold out of their goods the first weekend. 

“We were very well pleased to see that it was a success,” says José Luis Barajas, Monarch SBDC program manager. 

Barajas says city managers and staff from South County cities meet regularly to find ways to increase economic development among them. El Mercadito, he says, would prioritize South County businesses. 

“The intent is to keep it primarily South County-based, with some leeway for other parts of the county to also participate,” Barajas says. 

Tomorrow, Jan. 29, MSBDC and Soledad will host an information session for vendors about El Mercadito. It will cover topics including potential hours of operation, required permits, promotional opportunities and more. People will also have the opportunity to provide feedback and help shape the market. 

“This gives folks enough runway, all of February and all of March, to get all those documents in order to be a vendor and be able to participate,” Barajas says. 

Once the plan is finalized, the SBDC will submit it to the city, and the council is expected to vote on the project by March. 

El Mercadito is set to launch as a pilot on Saturday, April 4, and will be similar to First Friday in Salinas, featuring music and performances by local artists and dance groups, including folklórico performances from local high schools. They are looking into partnering with other organizations. 

People interested in the market can fill out the vendor interest form. The information session is Thursday, Jan. 29, 5:30-7pm at Soledad City Hall, 248 Main St.