Small firms across Limerick have an opportunity to win three months rent-free space in one of the city’s major shopping centres.
The Parkway Shopping Centre has teamed up with Revo, the retail property group, to offer space.
The scheme, codenamed Free Space+ is a national initiative designed to support start-up and independent companies. Firms from across Britain and Ireland can apply for free space in up to 100 shopping centres, including the Parkway at the Dublin Road.
As part of the application, small companies locally will be asked to demonstrate how trading in the Parkway will accelerate growth rates.
A judging panel will select ten winners in January 2018, which will then be able to occupy space in their chosen shopping centre for three months. The successful applicant will also receive a support package, including insurance, financial rates and legal advice. The winners will also be partnered with mentors relevant to their business. On top of this, there will be design, online brand mentoring available too. The value to each winning business, including the market rent for the retail space, could be up to €35,000.
The Free Space+ scheme is backed by Harcourt Developments, the owner of the Parkway Shopping Centre. Revo chief executive Ed Cooke said: “Physical retail space is not only a point of sale, it is integral to building a retail brand and driving website traffic. Free Space+ is the first business incubation initiative of its kind, not only allowing businesses to trade from some of Britain and Ireland’s leading retail destinations for free, but providing them with the support they need to fully realise its potential.”
To apply for a free spot, visit the following website www.parkwaysc.com/competitions/2010 or alternatively contact The Parkway Shopping Centre Manager, Roger Beck at 061 41 6144 / manager@parkwayshoppingcentre.com.