Press Release

Business Plan Competition Brings New Retailers Downtown

Downtown development authority reacts to retail closures with a contest where everyone wins.

(Boonton, NJ, August 2, 2010) — As reported in the August issue of Downtown Promotion Reporter, a business plan competition, with special incentives as the prizes, has proved an irresistible stimulus for new businesses in Swainsboro, GA.

"During the first three months of 2009, downtown Swainsboro had 10 business closures. For a small downtown, it hit pretty hard," says Lynn Brinson, the director of downtown development for the City of Swainsboro's Downtown Development Authority.

"With all those business closures, the DDA saw the opportunity to step in and take an active role in shaping the downtown area. So it created this contest to serve as a tool to stimulate the local economy, to encourage people across the region who had great business ideas, and entrepreneurial spirits, to develop their ideas, create formal business plans, and pursue their dreams in trying to open a business," she says.

The prizes, which were culled from the local business community, not-for-profits, and the government include such things as free membership in the chamber of commerce, reduced rent, free water, free newspaper advertising, and more.

Not only did the winner open a business downtown but another participant has also opened up shop and three more are finalizing their plans.

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About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group's main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com