WIN THIS SPACE
The ‘Downtown Sudbury’ BIA “Win This Space” is an innovative business recruitment initiative, designed to encourage entrepreneurial activity in Downtown Sudbury as we are currently seeing a strong increase in interest – both with new business openings and proposed major developments. The “Win This Space” competition offers an opportunity for new and aspiring entrepreneurs to put their retail business ideas into action and make their dreams a reality.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Filling Vacancies
To promote the filling of vacancies and new entrepreneurial activity in Downtown Sudbury.
Downtown Revitalization
To revitalize the downtown core by attracting new investment to the area.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
To develop training opportunities and a business mentoring network to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
PRIZE PACKAGE
$42,000
VALUE
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YMCA: One-Year Family Membership
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Copy Copy: Small Business Print Package
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Compass CPA: Contribution to the Preparation of a Corporate Year-End
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The Alibi Room: Contribution Planning, Staff & Bar Rental for a Grand Opening
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Morrow Management: Grand Opening Event Planning and Support
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Downtown Sudbury BIA: 1 Year Rent! (to a maximum value of $23,500)
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The Chamber of Commerce: 1 Year Corporate Membership
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RBC: Business Banking Package (1 Year)
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Hot/Rewind 103.9:
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28 ads per week on one station
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4-week promotion
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Market Analysis w. Ryan Puddy (2k value)
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PROJECT GUIDELINES
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The contest is open to entrepreneurs seeking commercial space for retail business ideas that are unique and new to Downtown Sudbury.
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Selected entrants must take business workshops, including the completion of business/financial plans to qualify
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The winner must agree to locate their space in Downtown Sudbury with participating property owners.
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Property Owners taking part must agree to have ‘Win This Space’ signage installed in the property window/frontage to acknowledge participation.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
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Creativity and uniqueness
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Relevance to downtown
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Market need in downtown
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Sound business plan
ENTREPRENEUR PARTICIPANTS
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Receive Complementary business consultation (1 hour) and business/financial planning assistance
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Required to participate in 4 sessions (Marketing on a Shoestring Budget, Making an Effective ‘Pitch’, Business Plan, Marketing Research Made Easy) offered through the Regional Business Centre
TIMELINE
Launch of Competition /Promotion
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Friday, June 28, 2024
Mandatory Workshops (4)
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Starting a Small Business
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Writing a Business Plan & Market research
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Marketing & Social Media
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Pitch Training & Workshop
The Pitch
Friday, October 25th, 2024
Registration Deadline
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Wednesday, July 31st, 2024
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12 am - Midnight
Top 10 Submit Business Plans
Friday, October 4th, 2024
Selection of Top Entrepreneurs Announced
Friday, October 25th, 2024
Selection of up to 10 Finalists
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Friday, August 9th, 2024
Judges Selection of Top 5 Finalists
Friday, October 11th, 2024
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Why Open A Business In Downtown Sudbury?
"We choose to open our three businesses - Books and Beans, The Night Owl and Knox Hall - in downtown Sudbury because we believe in the potential of this vibrant community. The downtown area is the heart of the city, and we wanted to be a part of its growth and revitalization. We saw an opportunity to contribute to the local economy and create a space where people can gather, connect, and experience something special. Our goal is to be a positive addition to the downtown Sudbury landscape and to serve the diverse needs of the community. We love our neighbourhood, our streets and our neighbours downtown and are so happy to be a part of what we see as a renaissance of Greater Sudbury's urban center."
Liana Bacon, Owner
Books and Beans, The Night Owl, Knox Hall