#FLATSproject is Now Accepting Applications for its Second Small Business & Community Accelerator Program
CHICAGO, April 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Have a great business idea but lack the opportunity to let it come to fruition? FLATS Chicago announces the second #FLATSproject (www.flatschicago.com/flats-project). With a mission to support the local community, FLATSproject is a Small Business and Community Accelerator Program designed to give entrepreneurs the opportunity to apply for a chance to be awarded a prize package, giving one lucky winner the necessities to take the leap to a brick and mortar business.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160407/352946
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160407/352947LOGO
Applications are now being accepted to win a beautiful storefront retail space in the Historic Lawrence House, which is one of the largest anticipated properties in the FLATS portfolio. FLATSproject is awarding a business package valued at over $100,000.00 in benefits including a free year of rent. "The package also includes support from the City of Chicago, access to our design team, business plan refresh, marketing support, all legal work associated with starting a company and more," said Alex Samoylovich, co-founder and managing partner at CEDARst.
The applicants must submit a succinct and thorough presentation (this may be in the form of a video) of how and why their business will benefit the local community of the 1000 block of Lawrence and the 46th Ward. Full details are available on the #FLATSproject website. Applicants are encouraged to be creative – and demonstrate what makes their business special.
In 2014, entrepreneur Michael Stejskal beat out 40 other hopeful business owners and opened The Public Barber (1325 W. Wilson). "Things have been amazing! This first year has really taken off much quicker than I could have ever anticipated," said Stejskal, who has hired more than three additional barbers since opening. What does Stejskal love about #FLATSproject? "I love that the program puts the choice into the neighborhood's hands. These are the people that will be supporting whatever business occupies the space, so having their votes counted only encourages the future success of the business," said Stejskal, who has advice for those applying. "Have a very clear vision. Really picture yourself in the space, what will it look like, smell like, and sound like. Having a very clear picture of your business will help to create a map for accomplishing the final result. Taking a risk is a huge part of creating your own successful business, but be prepared for what could be a lean start," said Stejskal.
The second #FLATSproject is located in Uptown, inside the historic Lawrence House. This twelve-story building will have multiple retail spaces below 373 apartments. The winner already has a neighbor in FLATS Chicago, exclusive partner Heritage Outpost. The property is located near some of Uptown's most popular historic landmarks such as the Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, and the legendary Green Mill, and is conveniently located one block from Wilson CTA Red Line and two blocks from Lake Shore Drive.
Submissions will be accepted until May 20th, 2016. The winner of #FLATSproject will be announced at the Lawrence House grand opening in June 2016. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.flatschicago.com/flats-project. Or, for media inquiries, contact Christine Bachman, 312-399-5822, Email.
SOURCE #FLATSproject
Share this article