Who can apply?
- You are 19 years or older
- You are a legal resident of Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, PEI and NFLD)
- You are willing to commit to signing a one-year lease for one of the participating spaces
- The proposed business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation
- If you are a current business owner, your application is must be 1) unrelated to your existing business, or 2) introduce a new element not promoted at your existing business, or 3) expand upon an element that would be removed from your existing business
- No franchises or take overs of existing businesses will be considered.
Make sure to review the Rules and Regulations here.
I don't have a business plan, just an idea. Can I apply?
Yes, absolutely. All you need is an idea at this point. We have also arranged a free “Plan before the Business Plan” live virtual session on November 3rd at 7pm that might help. This session will help you structure your idea in a way that clearly differentiates you from current alternatives in the market and helps you to stand out from the crowd. Registration for the event is required.
With or without attending the session above, all you have to do is complete a 350 word essay or record a 2-3 minute video explaining your idea and submit it to us via this online application! If you are chosen as one of the 25 semi-finalists, you will receive free mandatory business development workshops that will help you write your business plan.
If I already own a business, can I still enter Win this Space Western Region?
Absolutely! If you have solid multi-tasking skills, then submit your idea.
If you are a current business owner the application must be 1) unrelated to your existing business, or 2) introduce a new element not promoted at your existing business, or 3) expand upon an element that would be removed from your existing business.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes! If you have a few ideas that you feel are viable businesses, then you can submit them. Please note that you can only be selected with one of your ideas to proceed as one of the top 5 semi-finalists.
What are the Business Development Workshops?
A maximum of 25 applicants will move on to Phase 2 of the competition which includes 3 mandatory business development workshops. Topics may include Starting A Small Business, Writing A Business Plan, Market Research, Marketing Strategies & Social Media, How to Deliver a Strong Pitch, Financials etc.
They will be held virtually on Tuesday December 1st, 8th, and 15th at 7pm.
I won! What now?
The Grand Prize Winner must
- Commit to signing a minimum 1-year lease from one of the participating listings, starting no later than March 1, 2021 unless otherwise agreed with the landlord.
- If applicable, obtain a business license from the participating Town or Municipality
- Be open during normal/customary business hours for the term of the one-year lease.
As the Grand Prize Winner, you are encouraged to reach out to our partners to learn more about their services, after-care and mentorship programs to support you as you grow your business.
I didn't win. What now?
The Win Your Space Western Region Organizing Committee strives to provide support to any viable business entering the competition, whether or not that business is the Grand Prize Winner. Applicants are encouraged to contact our partners to inquire about support available to them, including business development programs, financial assistance, online tools, and mentorships programs.
I didn't see a space that fits my business needs. Should I apply?
I have vacant space for lease - How can I become a Part of Win Your Space Western NS?
Throughout the competition, the Win Your Space Organizing Committee will be actively seeking available commercial properties in the Western Region that can be featured in Win Your Space Western NS.
Once the Grand prize Winner is announced in February 2021, the winner will select one of the participating spaces. To help the new business hit the ground running, the Grand Prize Winner will receive up to $1,000 per month in prize money towards a one-year lease in one of the participating rental locations (up to $12,000 total value). The $1000 will be paid directly to the landlord on a monthly basis.
Properties are active listings. As such, if a property is leased during the competition, it will be removed from the inventory of participating properties – no holds required. We will promote participating properties as part of the competition.
Can I donate a prize/service to the winners?
Yes, absolutely! We are always looking for more benefits to provide to the Win Your Space Western NS winners, even if the competition has started. For more information on how to support Win Your Space Western NS please reach out to Brenda LaGrandeur at winthisspace@gmail.com or at 902-653-0369.