Posted on March 22, 2022
The owners of Sundance Square have launched a competition to find passionate entrepreneurs who have the next big idea and want to turn their dream of a physical store into reality.
As COVID and other economic factors devastated small businesses across the country, Sundance Square CEO Sasha C. Bass and her team looked for ways to support Fort Worth’s creative small business community. Their idea: to work with entrepreneurs to make the community prosper.
Sundance Square partners with local small business owners to create brick-and-mortar storefronts in downtown Fort Worth. A pilot program of established businesses—including Cary O’Keefe Jewelers, Urban Plantology and Coleccion Mexicana—has been successful. And Union Station, a new record and urban clothing store, opened this month. Now Sundance Square is ready to build on those successes by expanding the initiative.
“Sundance Square was built on creativity and opportunity,” said founder Ed Bass. “The Next Big Idea initiative will build on these same characteristics and help launch a cohort of talented entrepreneurs into new ventures.”
Sundance Square welcomes applications from entrepreneurs who demonstrate a sustainable business concept that will contribute to the vibrant and inclusive Sundance Square community.
Sundance Square is looking for:
- Entrepreneurs and artisans committed with passion and enthusiasm to their idea.
- Businesses that will make a positive contribution to Sundance Square.
- An affection for Fort Worth and an interest in joining the Sundance Square business community.
For selected applicants, Sundance Square will offer:
- A one-year lease in a prime downtown location with a rent structure designed to help the business thrive in its new space.
- Opportunities to participate in other Sundance initiatives, such as plaza events and social media campaigns.
- Support team such as basic concierge, 24 hour security, interior design consultancy and marketing consultancy.
- Potential access to seed capital for space development.
- An integrated clientele.
The current round of applications will be accepted until April 18. Entrepreneurs can apply online.
Photo: Urban Plantology, 308 N. Main St., is among a new breed of successful entrepreneurs in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square.
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