• Applications are now open for the Stouffville Village Small Business Challenge.
  • The grant program will offer up to $50,000 to one winning business plan, which must be executed through a Downtown Main Street storefront.
  • The competition is being offered thanks to a partnership between the Office of Mayor Iain Lovatt and the Stouffville Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Greater Stouffville Chamber.
  • Submissions are due by February 15, 2025, and will be reviewed by an expert judging panel.
  • Much like the Dragons’ Den television series, selected finalists will then need to present their proposals to the panel.
  • The winner will be announced during the Chamber’s 2025 Mayor’s Dinner in the spring.

 

“The Stouffville Village Small Business Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to become an integral part of our vibrant community,” the program’s website explains. “We’re looking for innovative business ideas that will contribute to the diversity and energy of Stouffville Village.”

The grant program will award the winning entrepreneur $25,000 to help with start-up costs, one year of rent payments, and 12 months of business mentoring.

While applicants are not required to be Stouffville residents, proposals must be carried out through a Main Street storefront between Park Drive and Albert Street. The winner will also need to “demonstrate the potential for long-term success and sustainability.”

Mayor Lovatt first announced the program during the Greater Stouffville Chamber’s Mayor’s Dinner in May 2024. At that event, he noted the issue of vacant commercial units along Stouffville Village’s Main Street section.

“The premise is simple: we want to generate interest for new retailers to come to Main Street,” Lovatt said. “If you know someone who has a great idea for a new business on Main Street, be sure to tell them about the Stouffville Village Small Business Challenge.”

There are no restrictions on the type of business, but it must “enhance the diversity and vitality” of the area. Interested participants will have roughly four months to develop a business plan and submit it to the judging panel for their review. The judges include Lovatt and five local business experts.

Following the February 15, 2025, submission deadline, the panel will assess proposals and choose 6-8 finalists. Those selected will then present their business plans to the panel in April, and the winner will be announced during the Spring 2025 Mayor’s Dinner.

The Greater Stouffville Chamber was able to secure funding for the competition through a Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund grant. They are also assisting with a supportive sponsorship, as are Triple Properties and Decast Ltd. The award will be controlled by the Chamber, and the winning applicant will submit applicable expenses to them for payment.

“This initiative presents a pivotal moment for Stouffville Village,” said Greater Stouffville Chamber Executive Director Christian Buhagiar in a recent press release. “By empowering local entrepreneurs with the resources and mentorship they need, we are not only helping to launch new businesses, but also enhancing the vibrancy and economic diversity of our community. Together, we are building a thriving future for Stouffville.”

*Cover image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash