A Gardiner economic development group has launched a $5,000 contest seeking new business ideas to help reinvigorate downtown Gardiner.
The Kennebec Journal reported that Gardiner Main Street is accepting two-page business pitches from entrepreneurs and existing business owners by Oct. 1. Finalists will then be asked to submit full business plans by Oct. 20.
The winner, determined by public vote, will receive $5,000 from Gardiner Main Street and must sign a lease for a downtown property by the end of the year and open by June 2015. The winning business also will receive payroll services for three months, a professional photo shoot and one-year memberships to two local business groups.
