Now Lunenburg County is offering four months free rent for a new business in Lunenburg. Photo: NOW Lunenburg County.
Now Lunenburg County is putting on a contest called Big Ideas Now that will help provide things needed to start a business including four months’ rent in a commercial space.
The contest is being put on in partnership with Solterr Design who own 11 Lincoln Street in Lunenburg where the commercial space is being offered.
Solterr Design is an architecture firm who are currently working on renovating 11 Lincoln Street which they will use as an office as well.
Jen Corson with Solterr says they came up with the idea as a result of their previous experiences with new businesses.
“We’ve helped multiple new startups in the past and we know that businesses need all the help they can get when starting up,” said Corson.
The contest will see potential businesses pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who will then determine who is best suited for space.
“The type of business isn’t necessarily as important as the idea and a good business plan which is what I think the judges will be looking for,” Corson said.
She says the competition will be very similar to the TV program Dragons Den where businesses pitch their ideas to experienced business owners who will then determine the best candidate.
In addition to receiving four months of free rent, the winner will also receive a package of business services like accounting or design work that will be provided by local businesses.
Corson would like to see a food shop of some sort of a craft store in the building but she says the judges will be approaching the contest with an open mind.
Solterr Design primarily focuses on environmentally friendly designs so they would like to see a business that shares their environmental outlook win the competition.
Although the winner will receive four months of free rent Solterr will require the winner to sign at least a one-year lease for the commercial space.
The submission process is quite extensive based on the nature of the contest and its prize. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Now Lunenburg County website. The deadline to submit an application is June 22, 2021.
