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.
“The 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 “Start 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.
