Norwalk Real Estate Collective Announces Third Installment of "OnWashington Entrepreneur Contest"

AGW SONO Partners announces their 2024 Entrepreneur Contest, the third installment of the local real estate collective's spirited competition that sends out the call to entrepreneurs to pitch their business concept for a chance to win a free commercial space on Washington Street Historic District. The contest is another small business support initiative put forth by AGW SONO Partners' marketing arm, OnWashington. AWG, who manages 27 properties on Washington Street, consisting of restaurants, retail, office space, and lifestyle services, created the OnWashington brand to support its tenants and garner attention for Washington Street as a whole.

The last two calls for submission brought in over 40 business plan pitches ranging from antique and floral shops to health and beauty products, fitness floors, cafes, and photography studios. Winning business concepts went to Eco Evolution by "Eco Dude" Brad Kerner, who took his sustainable lifestyle and turned it into an eco-friendly retail concept, event space, and café at 135 Washington Street. Eco Evolution's pop-up space turned into a 5-year lease deal, solidifying this unique business's place on Washington Street. Last year's winner, Art Annex, created a gallery space for three months that supported local artists and provided them with a platform to show their work.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their business proposals for a chance to pitch their ideas to the team from AGW SONO Partners and OnWashington. This year's contest winner will be able to set up shop on Washington Street (length of occupancy is based on the type of business and the business plan), where they will have the opportunity to share their business concept with consumers. This unique opportunity provides entrepreneurs with the ability to test their concept, gather consumer feedback, tweak their business' products and practices, and experience Washington Street from a business owner's perspective. Ideal business concepts include a physical fitness studio, coffee shop/café, gift shop, clothing boutique, media studio, food market or bodega, and gallery/artist collective, to name a few.

"The opportunity is amazing, and the potential for a long-term lease is within reach for a dynamic entrepreneur with a progressive concept and well-thought-out business plan, "says Linda Kavanagh, the Director of OnWashington. "What AGW is offering doesn't come around often. You don't see a lot of (any) local landlords willing to invest in their tenants and do what it takes to enhance the consumer experience with meaningful businesses in their spaces, as well as contribute to the overall appeal and foot traffic that benefits all of the businesses on the street."

"Since acquiring the portfolio, our goal has been to establish Washington Street Historic District as a premier destination to live, work, and play, "says Adam Greenbaum, Managing Partner, AGW SONO Partners, "We are looking forward to meeting our local entrepreneurs and providing a space with marketing support for the lucky recipient to introduce their business to the public."

SUBMISSIONS:
*Business proposals will be evaluated by OnWashington and AGW SONO Partners.
Proposals must include:
- Entrepreneur profile
- Concept overview (with samples/examples)
- Branding deck
- Marketing Campaign
- Projected financials are a plus but not required.
Submissions are due by Friday, March 29, 2024.
Interviews take place in the first two weeks of April.
The winner is announced on April 16, 2024.
Space occupancy date TBD.
The location/terms will be outlined by AGW SONO Partners.

SIGN UP/INFORMATION: https://onwashingtonst.com/

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Category: Lifestyle | Real Estate