BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Local entrepreneurs seeking a space in Bedford-Stuyvesant can get a $10,000 boost towards their business through a new contest.
Real estate development company Weissman Equities launched a business plan competition this month in an effort to support small companies and fill up the neighborhood’s storefronts, said managing partner Seth Weissman.
Four retail spots are available at 369-379 Marcus Garvey Blvd. near Jefferson Avenue, with a total of approximately 2,200 square feet.
Individuals with a business plan can submit their proposals for the space and, if selected, will receive $10,000 in funding to build out the property, Weissman said.
“We’re taking a long-term approach to the neighborhood and want to make sure when we have people moving into these spaces, they can focus on running their business and not have to worry about issues with electrical and plumbing,” he added.
The development group owns several mixed-use properties in the neighborhood, he said, and renovates ground-floor retail storefronts to help bring in businesses.
The spaces on Marcus Garvey Boulevard range between 400 to 700 square feet each and have 14-foot ceilings, according to Weissman. Three of the spots are contiguous and can be combined for a larger store.
Weissman Equities is partnering with real estate brokerage firm Nooklyn for the competition and to lease the spaces.
Applicants are encouraged to reach out with their business plans and summaries by Dec. 16, 2016, and winners will be selected by the start of the new year, Weissman said.
For additional details and submissions, email Ita Kolic at ita@padmgmt.com.
