Retail Challenge
The Powered Locally Retail Challenge
Our quaint little community received its name from our founder Amos Orton whose grist mill inspired people to settle and build in this area. A charming small-town experience, Ortonville is Powered Locally and we take pride in remaining an All-American, authentic village that has been a hub of activity for over 150 years. When you visit any of our Downtown shops, you’ll be browsing locally-owned, unique shops with truly one-of-a-kind treasures that offer something for everyone. Main Street is a colorful place to stroll, a fun place to play and the perfect place to shop. So, whether you are looking for a leisurely afternoon, some Main Street fun, on a mission to find the perfect gift, considering a new home town or opening your business here, Welcome to Ortonville!
The Powered Locally Retail Challenge is designed to activate our entire Downtown and create the volume of retail needed to generate downtown "destination" type commerce and economic development. Using our existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and providing pop-up opportunities we can enhance the retail make-up in Downtown Ortonville through the Retail Challenge.
The Ortonville Downtown Development Authority is offering an incentive package worth up to $10,000 for one winning retail business that will open or expand in Ortonville’s historic downtown district in 2021.
The Retail Challenge is organized by Ortonville Downtown Development Authority in partnership with Oakland County Economic Development, MI SBDC, local businesses, organizations, and residents of the community.
Summary
The Retail Challenge is a competition supporting entrepreneurial start-ups or expansions designed to spur economic growth in Ortonville's historic downtown area based on our current market analysis. Business concepts eligible for the competition are:
- New Retail Businesses – start up or relocating with the first 2 years
- In-Home Businesses – looking for a retail storefront
- Second or third retail business – satellite location of an existing location in another town
- Expansion of a current downtown retail business that includes an added business concept
Timeline & Deadlines
- 06/01/21 - Initial Competition Announcement
- 08/30/21 - Phase 1 – Official Entry Form Due
- 09/13/21 - Announce Phase 2
- 09/27/21 - Business plan submission
- 10/04/21 - Prep your Pitch Workshop
- 10/11/21 - Live Pitch/Personal Interviews
- 10/25/21 - Announcement of Grand Prize Winner
- Deadline for business to open will be determined through the competition process.
Judging
Judges will be comprised of a mix of small business development professionals, current business owners, residents, Village/DDA officials, and Oakland County Health Department representatives. Judges will be responsible for selecting those who will advance to the next phases.
Goals
- Recruit businesses reflected in current market analysis
- Enhance the business mix in downtown Ortonville
- Provide businesses a head start during the toughest year of operation (the first year)
- Strengthen the local economy by attracting unique and specialty businesses
- Transform empty business spaces into more attractive and beneficial locations
- Build a "buzz" and promote Ortonville as a great place to start a business
- Display the community’s commitment to downtown Ortonville
Business Resources
Important Links
Getting to know Ortonville
- Village of Ortonville
- Downtown Ortonville
- Spotlight #LoveOrtonville
- Welcome Back Ortonville
- Investing In Business Development
- Visit Ortonville
- Village of Ortonville Community Profile