FRESNO (KMJ) — A Downtown Fresno competition has selected the final ten businesses proposals, in a contest which will see one of them get everything they need to set up shop.
It’s called the ‘Create Here Business Plan Competition and the semi finalists have now been chosen.
“The winner receives a prize package worth over $100,000”, says Executive Director of organizer ‘The Downtown Fresno Partnership’ Gretchen Moore, “and it includes free rent in a Downtown space for a year.”
“We were blown away by the quality of the amazing business plans that were submitted, and we can’t wait to see which of these fresh and creative businesses end up adding to the mix here in downtown Fresno.”
“This was a way to help inform people that Downtown is an exciting place and it’s a really friendly place for investment.”
The ten finalists include:
- Char – Currently established in Visalia, a café of epicurean treats looking to expand into Downtown Fresno.
- Eye Candy – Offering unique apparel and accessories, and looking to have both a storefront and a base of operations.
- Fitness 365 – A 24 hour urban fitness gym that with commercial weight and cardiovascular equipment on a 24-hour, 365 days a year schedule
- House of Pendragon – Looking to build an additional retail tasting room location in the heart of the revitalization movement.
- Made for Them – Aim is to combat human trafficking with fashion. The plan is to put their design headquarters and retail location in Downtown Fresno.
- Papa Steve & Nienna – This retailer will offer custom made home furnishings and accessories, many of which will be made in-store.
- Raw Fresno – The food truck that makes its way around Fresno almost every day of the week with fresh, raw, organic food want to open a café location.
- Root – A Downtown Fresno general Store selling items such as clothing, home goods, skincare and fragrance, books and other items by local artisans and other small US based companies.
- Sample Sneaker Boutique – A store that will sell sneakers on consignment and act as a depot for owners to trade collectible sneakers.
- Tree of Life Café – A fresh farm-to-table, home-cooked comfort food establishment, serving and showcasing the agricultural products raised in Fresno County.
The final group will then be cut down to a final five to be revealed in just under a month’s time.
More information on the competition can be found clicking here.
