Biddeford Main Street Challenge

Transcription

1 Biddeford Main Street Challenge The Heart of Biddeford is offering a $20,000 incentive package for each of three winning businesses that will open in downtown Biddeford by the 2012 Holiday Season. Overview The Main Street Challenge is an entrepreneurial start up competition for the Biddeford Downtown area, focusing on Biddeford Main Street. Business concepts eligible for the competition are: (1) new businesses, (2) a second or third satellite business from an existing location in another town, (3) a significant expansion of a current downtown business that includes an additional business concept. The Challenge will include three phases. Phase 1 will be a 1- page Business Concept pitch due by March 30, The committee will choose concepts to advance to Phase 2. Applicants that advance to Phase 2 will submit a business plan by May 4, 2012 to the Heart of Biddeford. The business plan should be fully developed and extensive. Business plans will be reviewed by the Main Street Challenge Committee, and up to 6 businesses will be chosen to enter Phase 3. Phase 3 is the final phase where finalists will present their business plans and ideas to the committee on May 24, The committee will fully examine the plans and presentations, will contact references, have a credit check performed by the Biddeford- Saco Area Economic Development Commission (BSAEDC), and determine up to 3 grand prize winners. The challenge is put together by the Heart of Biddeford with help and assistance from a variety of other organizations and members of the Biddeford community. Goals To initiate innovative recruitment of businesses that will enhance the business mix on Main Street, Elm Street and Alfred Street in downtown Biddeford. To provide entrepreneurial businesses a head- start during the toughest year of business operation (the first year). 1

2 To strengthen the economy and the downtown environment of Biddeford. To transform empty business spaces into more attractive and beneficial locations. To build a buzz and promote Biddeford as a great place to start a business. Submissions All submissions can be mailed to: The Heart of Biddeford 205 Main St, Suite 103 Biddeford ME, Or, sent by to director@heartofbiddeford.org. Please put Main Street Challenge Submission in the subject line. The Interview during Phase 3 must be done in person. 2

3 Prizes Up to three (3) Grand Prize winners will each receive a package worth more than $20,000. In addition to the prizes listed below, additional prizes are being added. Forgivable Loan** The City of Biddeford is providing a $10,000 forgivable loan to each of the three winners. Payment of loan will be delayed for one year, and interest only payments will be made in the second year. A formal promissory note will be created with conditions (such as employment of one person, compliance with all codes and permits, attendance at three educational or coaching sessions per year for two years). If conditions are met, the loan will be forgiven. Architecture Caleb Johnson Architects will provide a design consultation and sketches so the owners can create a splash with their newly opened stores. $500 value Banking Assistance The three winning business plans will be eligible to apply for a loan with the following terms: Interest Rate will be fixed at Prime Rate for 5 years; and, no loan document or bank fees will be charged (excluding real estate loans). The following banks have already signed up to participate and more are being added to the list: Biddeford Savings, Bangor Savings Bank, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, and TD Bank North. Chamber Membership and Advertising Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce will provide one year of free membership and one year of free advertising at the Amtrak Station. $680 value Legal Services Furman Gregory Deptula will provide corporate and legal advice for financing, agreements, sales and marketing. 3 hours of service donated. $700 value Payroll Assistance Mulligan & Co is offering base prices on credit card scanner/payroll assistance. Phone and Internet GWI will offer one year of free phone (local calls only, for up to 4 phone lines) and one year of free internet. 3 year contract required. $550 value 3

4 Photophaphic Services Joseph McKenney Photography will provide photographic services, which may include portraits for your website or business cards. $250 value Rental Property Several property owners will offer 6 months of free rent. Signing of a 3- year lease required. Properties are on Main Street, in the North Dam Mill, and on Alfred Street. The following property owners have agreed to participate and more are being added to the list: Doug Sanford, Chris Betjemann, Peter Floros of Saco River Associate, and Lawrence Hancock. Winners will negotiate their lease with the property owner they select, based on space requirements. Approximately $4800 value, depending on size of property Storefront Signage Design Design Variance (Paul Matthews) will provide storefront signage design. $300 value Video and Production At Your Service Video Production will donate one hour of filming. In addition, At Your Service will provide discounted editing services to complete a video. $100 value for filming. Website Design Green Light Websites will provide a 1-3 page custom website. To receive website, winner must purchase 6- months of hosting with Green Light Websites ($20/month cost for hosting) $750 value Greatson Media will provide a Wordpress Blog Website created from templates (installation included). This package also includes 1 year domain name registration, 1 year website hosting, 1 hour customization of logo and company colors. Optional Wordpress training available at an $80/hour charge. 4

5 Judging Judges will be comprised of a representative from the Heart of Biddeford, the Biddeford Community and Economic Development Director, a representative from the Biddeford Saco Area Economic Development Commission, a representative from the Downtown Development Commission, and a small business start- up legal expert. Judges will be responsible for selecting those who will advance into the next stages. Phase 1- Criteria for Business Concept ( Pitch ) In addition to completing the cover- page application, please submit a one- two page description of your business concept. Use your creativity in the description. Please include the following information (in brief) in your pitch: What are the products, or services that would be delivered or sold? Define and describe the market for this business How will your business enhance Main Street Biddeford, and Biddeford as a whole? What resources and assets do you have and what resources would be needed to develop this concept (personnel, financing, equipment, etc)? What are your qualifications to develop/expand this business? Are there any similar businesses around already, if so how is yours different? What is your unique angle, business name or other information that may really sell the committee on your concept? Phase 2- Criteria for Business Plans Please submit a thorough business plan including: Company Summary Products/ Services Summary Market Analysis Summary Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies to maximize success Resume, management history and two references Financial Plan (projected income, expenses, net profit, pricing, etc). Please provide an explanation of your assumptions, as a profit/loss statement does not provide enough detail. How many full time and part time employees? Start up Summary (Initial uses and sources) A community impact summary stating: How your business will enhance Main Street Biddeford How your business can benefit existing businesses on Main Street 5

6 Why your business stands out Phase 3- Final Pitch The final pitch will be a dialogue with the selection committee at the Heart of Biddeford. Phase 3 participants will describe their idea in front of the committee. Phase 3 encompasses all the previous steps, so be ready to display and show the business plan. The presentation can just be verbal or include media (videos, powerpoint, etc). Eligibility The Contest is open to all legal U.S. residents, 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Proposed businesses can be independent operations or franchised. Proposed businesses can be a one person concept or a team concept. If a business concept is to open up a new store that already exists outside of Biddeford (i.e., already located in another city), the business to be in Biddeford cannot be more than the second or third location. Willingness and ability to commit to a 3- year Lease with participating property owners, the terms of which are to be mutually negotiated within 30 days of selection. A current downtown business can apply as an expansion, so long as it introduces a new element in the current business. Official Rules and Regulations Prizes are non- transferable and may not be redeemed for cash; substitutions by Prize Winners may not be requested. Printed copies of business proposals submitted into the contest may not be returned. The selection committee formed by Heart of Biddeford will judge the business concepts and business plans. By participating in this contest, you agree to these Official Rules and to all decisions of Sponsors and the Selection Committee, which are final and binding in all respects. The Heart of Biddeford reserves the right to use participants names, likeness, picture, portrait, voice, biographical information and written submissions and written or oral statements, for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation unless required by law. By entering the contest you are validating the acceptance of one credit check in the final phase. 6

7 The contest rules are not specifically bound by the category they are in (e.g., Phase 1 ). These category separations are for easier reading of the rules. Heart of Biddeford seeks to provide start up support to any viable businesses entering the competition whether or not they win the Main Street Challenge. All entrants with feasible business plans will be contacted with information about available retail spaces in downtown Biddeford. Phase 1: All business concept entries (Phase 1) must be received at physical or address indicated by no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on March 30, Applications received past the deadline will not be considered for this Challenge. All applicants selected to move onto Phase 2 are eligible for business plan writing assistance from a neutral third party, the Maine Small Business Development Center. Phase 2: All business plan entries (Phase 2) must be received at the physical or address indicated by no later than 11:59pm EST time on May 4, Business plans received past the deadline will not be considered for this Challenge. Phase 3 and Grand Prize Winners: Phase 3 participants must give their presentations at the Phase 3 presentation evening at the Heart of Biddeford on Thursday, May 24, 2012 to be considered for one of the three grand prizes. The Heart of Biddeford reserves the right to extend the date for selecting and notifying the Grand Prize Winners. Grand Prize Winners shall assume responsibility for the payment of all other items that are not part of the incentive package (including, but not limited to insurance, rental tax, permits, and additional legal fees). Grand Prize Winners are required to have at least monthly contact with the Heart of Biddeford prior to opening, in order to keep Heart of Biddeford apprised of progress. In accordance with IRS Code regarding prizes and awards, a Form MISC may be issued by Heart of Biddeford to the Grand Prize Winners. Please consult your tax advisor for additional information. Contingency rules for loans may be given, which are separate from the contest rules. 7

8 The winners of the Grand Prizes must have their business open by Thanksgiving 2012 (Thursday November 22, 2012), unless an extension is requested by November 12, 2012 and granted by The Heart of Biddeford. If not completed thereafter, the grand prize is forfeited and may go to another entrant. By accepting the Grand Prize, the Winners release and discharge Heart of Biddeford, their affiliated companies, participating sponsors, information providers, content providers, subsidiaries, advertisers, advertising agencies, promotional and marketing agencies, and any other companies involved with or otherwise providing services related to this promotion, and all their respective employees, officers, directors, representatives and agents from any liability or damage due in whole or in part to the award, acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the Grand Prize or from participation in this Challenge. Information regarding the Grand Prize winners will be posted on and will be released to the public. If a Grand Prize Winner is unreachable after fifteen (15) business days, an alternate Grand Prize Winner will be selected. Timeline February 23, 2012: Initial Press Release and Announcement of the Contest Friday, March 30: Phase 1- Business Concepts ( Pitches ) Due Tuesday, April 3: Announcement of those advancing to Phase 2- Business Plans Friday, May 4: Phase 2- Business Plans Due Friday, May 11: Announcement of those advancing to Phase 3- Final Proposal Thursday, May 24: Phase 3- Final Proposal Presentations at Heart of Biddeford By June 4: Announcement of the Winners November 22nd, Businesses must be open 8

9 Date: Biddeford Main Street Challenge Submission Form Business Concept or Potential Name of Business: Name(s) (include all members if a team): Lead: Address of Lead Contact (Street, City, State, Zip): Phone Home Cell I have read the competition rules, timeline and eligibility requirements, and I attest that all information included in this application and 1-2 page business pitch is true and accurate. Signed: Date: Lead Contact 9