Details on Win This Space Announced!

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 June 2015
THE HEART OF ORLÉANS BIA ANNOUNCES “WIN THIS SPACE” COMPETITION TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES
ORLÉANS, ON – The Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Area (BIA) is announcing a new initiative to help attract strong, innovative businesses to their commercial district.
The initiative, WIN THIS SPACE, is a competition based on entrepreneurs’ solid business ideas, which then must compete for the grand prize of up to $12,000 over 12 months.  “We wanted to do something bold to get people talking about the possibilities right here in Orléans,” says Jasmine Brown, the BIA’s Executive Director.  “The goal is to attract new, creative businesses, and give owners some supports they need to turn their dreams into reality.”
The contest opens today, and the BIA is accepting submissions until Friday, July 31, 2015.
An important part of the initiative is business development training. “Entrepreneurs with the very best ideas will have access to business development workshops and mentoring”, says Chair Curd Hos. “One-of-a-kind businesses that are viable and have solid planning behind them are what we’re looking for.”
Finalists will have to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, before the winner is selected. In order to collect the grand prize, the winner must lease a commercial property in the BIA district. The prize must be applied toward the cost of their rent.
WIN THIS SPACE is one way the Heart of Orléans BIA is working to recruit new businesses and further the economic development of the area. “This is a great collaboration among the BIA, Invest Ottawa, our property owners, and entrepreneurs”, says Rita Chalabi, Chair of Marketing. “Nothing like this is being done in Ottawa right now, so we are excited to lead the way.”
For more information and to submit a business idea, please visit www.heartoforleans.ca/win/.
ABOUT THE HEART OF ORLÉANS BIA
The Heart of Orléans BIA promotes and advocates on behalf of its members, with the goal of furthering the economic development of the district. By working with BIA members, the City of Ottawa, local residents, and community organizations, the BIA leads initiatives on streetscape and beautification, marketing and economic development, business retention and recruitment, and special events. The BIA is a Board of Management with 7 elected, volunteer directors, 2 appointed City Councillors, and one full-time Executive Director. The BIA represents almost 400 businesses along and surrounding St-Joseph Boulevard in Orléans.
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 CONTACT INFORMATION
 
Jasmine Brown, Executive Director
Heart of Orléans BIA
613.580.2424 x.23900
[email protected]
Curd Hos, Chair
Heart of Orléans BIA
613.830.9300
[email protected]