A contest is giving Tucson small businesses the chance to win three months rent-free retail cart space at Park Place Mall.

Tucson small businesses have the opportunity to win three months rent-free retail cart space at Park Place.

The pitch contest, sponsored by the mall and Local First Arizona, is designed to help makers, bakers, crafters and artisans showcase their work.

β€œThe new incubation program is the first of many more activities like this you’ll see at the mall,” said Brighid Dawson, Park Place general manager, in a news release.

Entries for β€œStart with a Cart” are due Friday, March 8. On March 30, the community will be able to shop from the participating vendors from noon to 6 p.m. At the end of the event, the winner will be announced.

The winner will be determined by a combination of the most votes received during the event from 3-3:30 p.m. by the public and a judging panel that will consider vendor presentation/display, uniqueness of the product or service and the experience at the booth.

In addition to winning three months of free rent, the vendor will have access to business consultation and a one-hour marketing plan consultation with Park Place Mall’s marketing director. At the end of the three-month period, the vendor can work with the mall on rental terms if they’d like to keep a presence there.

The first-, second- and third-place winners will also receive a free membership with Local First.

There is a $50 fee for applicants. For more information, visit parkplacemall.com/start-with-a-cart.


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