a year ago
Local Contest Calls for New Business Concepts to be Pitched. Winning Concept Receives a FREE Commercial Pop-up Space on Washington Street in South Norwalk, CT
March 3, 2022, South Norwalk, CT: Upon the success of last year’s Entrepreneur Contest organized by local real estate collective AGW SONO Partners and their marketing arm OnWashington, the group has announced the second installment of this spirited competition that puts out the call to entrepreneurs to pitch their business concept for a chance to win a free commercial pop-up space on Washington Street in the Historic SoNo District. The contest is another small business support initiative put forth by AGW SONO Partners, who manage 27 properties on Washington Street, consisting of restaurants, retail, office space, and lifestyle services.
Last year’s contest brought in over 40 business plan submissions ranging from antique and floral shops to health and beauty products, fitness floors, and photography studios. Ultimately, the winning business and free pop-up space went to a progressive business concept called Eco Evolution. Owner “Eco Dude” Brad Kerner, who took his sustainable lifestyle and turned it into an eco-friendly retail concept, moved Eco Evolution into 135 Washington Street’s 2,200 square foot space. Kerner’s vision, products, and marketing ability resonated with the neighborhood and consumers. Eco Evolution’s pop-up turned into a 5-year lease deal, solidifying this unique business’s place on Washington Street.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their business proposals for a chance to pitch their idea to the team from AGW SONO Partners and OnWashington. This year’s contest winner will be able to set up shop in a 700 square foot space on Washington Street, where they will have the opportunity to share their business concept with consumers.
“We’ve seen first-hand the value these pop-up spaces hold, “says Linda Kavanagh, the Director of OnWashington, of AGW’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses and use the portfolio’s unleased spaces for neighborhood events and short-term pop-ups. “The opportunity provides entrepreneurs the ability to have a trial run for a business in its infancy, use as a marketing tool to further grow a brand, experiment with various products/services and gather consumer feedback, or as a fun way to promote an existing business in a different town/space.”
“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 for the lucky recipient to introduce their business to the public.”
*Business proposals will be evaluated by OnWashington and AGW SONO Partners
Submissions are due by March 25, 2022.
Interviews take place the week of March 28, 2022.
The winner is announced on April 4, 2022.
Space occupancy TBD (prior to June 1).
The location and terms of conducting business in the awarded space will be outlined by AGW SONO Partners.