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Intake Open for Win this Space Contest

June 5, 2025
By Bob Peters

Cornwall Ontario – A local entrepreneur will have the chance to set up shop rent free in Downtown Cornwall, thanks to the Win This Space program.

Win this Space - Downtown Cornwall

Setting up a business can be an overwhelming experience and the upfront costs of doing so can sometimes stop a great business idea in its tracks.  The Win This Space program was developed by the Downtown Business Improvement Association to attract new businesses to Cornwall’s downtown by offering free rent for a year.

“We’re so excited to see Win This Space return to the downtown,” said Martha Rochon, Chair of the DBIA. “This program has helped launch some incredible local businesses in the past, and we can’t wait to see what new ideas emerge this year. It’s a great opportunity to support entrepreneurs and breathe new energy into our downtown core.”

First launched in 2018, this will be the fourth edition of the contest, which supports entrepreneurship and business growth in Cornwall’s vibrant downtown core. After several years away, the program is making a much-anticipated comeback in 2025 to help another entrepreneur launch their dream storefront.

Program Details

Entrepreneurs with a strong business idea are encouraged to apply for a chance to win $1,000 per month toward rent for a full year in a downtown Cornwall commercial space. Finalists will be selected from the pool of applicants and invited to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges. One winner will be selected based on the strength, feasibility, and creativity of their proposal.

Apply Now: https://form.jotform.com/251204661481249
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

Past Winners

  • 2018: Fairy Sweet Gourmet Bakery, 11 Second St. West
  • 2019: Love & Lee, 111 Pitt Street
  • 2020: Mike’s Printing and Apparel, 145 Pitt Street

About the Downtown Cornwall Business Improvement Area

The Cornwall Downtown Business Improvement Area seeks to build and maintain a strong business area for the community, and promote the downtown area so downtown businesses thrive and prosper.

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