WHAT: Vote for your favorite BRIGHT IDEA as applicants compete for the $5,000 BRIGHT IDEA Innovation Grants. Come to the BRIGHT IDEA Exchange, where 22 participants will compete for one of two $5,000 grants. The commercial business grant will go to an existing, independent commercial operator physically located in SDDA’s Downtown Service District or in the Newtown Historic District, and the non-profit grant will go to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has an impact on those districts. Enjoy refreshments donated by local businesses and purchase wine by the glass from Ox-Eye Vineyards.
Applicants will pitch their product and/or service ideas during the BRIGHT IDEA Exchange, on Wednesday, January 29. The public and jurors will select the best ideas, and recommend them to be developed with outside assistance and support. The BRIGHT IDEA Exchange finalists will go on to write a Concept Plan and may receive free assistance from the Staunton Creative Community Fund, the Small Business Development Center, and the Community Foundation, as needed.
The grants are designed to accelerate projects that are in the light bulb stage by bringing them to the marketplace efficiently, quickly, and with an eye towards long-term economic and cultural success.
Information about the BRIGHT Idea Exchange may be found by visiting stauntondowntown.org.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 29 | 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: 125 South Augusta Street | American Hotel Banquet Room
The BRIGHT IDEA Innovation grants project is supported by a partnership including the Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grant, the Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA), the Staunton Department of Economic Development (SDED), the community foundation of the Central Blue (CFBR), and the Staunton Creative Community Fund (SCCF). The grant funds must be dedicated for the purposes described in the BRIGHT IDEA Concept Plan and the project implemented on or before April 1, 2015.
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