Are you an aspiring entrepreneur who would benefit from a year of free business services?
The Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area (BIA) is excited to announce the 'Win This Space' competition – a business recruitment initiative aimed at filling vacant storefronts to spur entrepreneurial activity and breathe new life into our downtown core. The competition is your chance to turn your business dreams into reality while contributing to the revitalization of our downtown.
The Vision for Downtown Sudbury
Downtown Sudbury is the cultural and economic heartbeat of our city. With new business openings and major developments on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to become part of this exciting transformation. The 'Win This Space' competition is designed to encourage entrepreneurial spirit and support innovative retail business ideas that will attract both residents and visitors.
The primary goal of 'Win This Space' is to fill vacant storefronts in Downtown Sudbury with unique businesses in an effort to create a bustling and diverse downtown area that caters to a wide range of tastes and needs.
The competition also aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. From business planning to marketing strategies, participants will receive comprehensive training and support to ensure their business ideas thrive.
The Prize Package
The 'Win This Space' prize package is designed to set the winning entrepreneur up for success, including:
- Marketing Hounds: Marketing consultation, AI, and CRM services to help you reach your target audience effectively.
- YMCA: A one-year family membership, supporting your work-life balance.
- Copy Copy: A small business print package to cover your promotional needs.
- Compass CPA: Assistance with the preparation of a corporate year-end to keep your finances in check.
- The Alibi Room: Support with planning, staff, and bar rental for a grand opening event.
- Morrow Management: Event planning and support for your grand opening.
- Downtown Sudbury BIA: One year of rent-free space to give your business a strong start.
- The Chamber of Commerce: A one-year corporate membership, connecting you with a network of local businesses.
- RBC: A business banking package for one year, ensuring your financial operations run smoothly.
How to Participate
The 'Win This Space' competition is open to entrepreneurs who have commercial retail business ideas that are new and unique to Downtown Sudbury. The process includes several key steps for applicants to complete. Participants will be evaluated based on creativity and uniqueness, relevance to the downtown area, market need, and the strength of their business plan to ensure that the selected business will both thrive as well as contribute meaningfully to the downtown community.
Opening a business in Downtown Sudbury is a commitment to the community. Entrepreneurs like Liana Bacon, owner of Books and Beans, The Night Owl, and Knox Hall, have already seen the impact this area has on the city of Sudbury. “We believe in the potential of this vibrant community,” says Bacon. “Our goal is to be a positive addition to the downtown Sudbury landscape and to serve the diverse needs of the community.”
If you’re passionate about making a difference and eager to bring your business ideas to life – This is your chance. Together let’s create a dynamic and thriving downtown that we can all be proud of.
Visit Downtown Sudbury to learn more.