Make it on Main street

Volume II

Business Plan Competition

Make it on Main Street is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs to submit their innovative ideas to open a brick and mortar business, significantly expand, or relocate in Wilmington’s historic district! Participants will compete for a cash prize of up to $75,000. The competition encourages creativity and strategic thinking, while fostering a dynamic environment for future business leaders to thrive. More than just a cash prize, we are offering support, coaching, and connections that will help every applicant advance their dream.

 FAQs

  • The Wilmington Downtown Business Challenge is open to legal US residents 18 years of age or older who are interested in starting, relocating, or significantly expanding a business in an available property within the Downtown of Wilmington, VT by February of 2025.

    • Up to $75,000 cash to be used solely for startup costs of business as outlined in the winning business plan

    • Number of winners to be determined based on quality of applications.

    • Business Partner Plus membership with the Southern VT Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce - Top Contestant (value $720.00)

    • Advertising package with Deerfield Valley News, courtesy of Vermont Media Publications - Top Contestant  (Value $500)

  • The business contest will be comprised of three rounds.
    Round 1: September 27 - November 8, 2024:

    Contestants will submit a preliminary business idea, along with a letter of interest, using the initial application form.

    Round 2: November 22, 2024 - January 13, 2025:

    All contestants advancing in the competition will be offered a mentor/coach. Contestants selected as semi-finalists will be required to submit a detailed business plan to the judging panel.

    Round 3 (Final round): January 27 - February 20, 2025:

    Finalists will make a presentation of their business plan before the judges’ panel (maximum 15 minutes) and respond to questions. The highest scoring finalist will be judged based on all three rounds. The winner(s) will be announced following the Oral presentation and all finalists will be honored at a public reception to follow.

  • Initial applications and letters of interest can be submitted

    via Google Form

    via mail

    Wilmington Works

    Attention: Wilmington Downtown Business Challenge 

    PO Box 1577  

    Wilmington, VT 05363

    via email

    wilmingtonworks@gmail.com

    Questions can be directed to (802)234-1433 or wilmingtonworks@gmail.com


Thank you to our Sponsor’s

Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, Deerfield Valley News, Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Richards Group