The Gilroy Downtown Business Association is shaking things up in a quest to get vacant downtown buildings occupied by baiting budding entrepreneurs to dive headfirst into the “Gilroy Shark Tank” competition in June.
The competition, modeled on the hugely popular ABC program “Shark Tank,” is the brainchild of GDBA President James Suner who hopes a grand prize grant of $50,000 from the GDBA’s unrestricted fund will see aspiring business owners – including those in Morgan Hill – pitch their commercial visions to a trio of experienced local business people.
The live forum event to crown the winner will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 8 at the Old City Hall located at 7400 Monterey St. in Gilroy.
The winning entrepreneur will receive a $50,000 grant, a reduced-rate lease on a downtown Gilroy location and mentoring from a team made up of Gilroy’s most experienced local business moguls and entrepreneurs.
Suner says the “Sharks” – which includes Katherine Filice, owner of Articulate Solutions; Jose Montes, owner of D and S Enterprises; and Amber Madrone, owner of Mango Street Kids – are open to any proposed business models.
“We encourage all entrepreneurs to pursue this exciting opportunity, whether your vision is an art gallery, brewery or a hookah lounge,” Suner said.
Applicants must submit a detailed business proposal by 5 p.m. May 17 and attend a walk-through of vacant properties Saturday, May 18. Any available property located within Gilroy’s Historic Downtown is eligible as a “Shark Tank Gilroy” location, Suner said.
Application packets and additional information can be found on the Downtown Gilroy website www.downtowngilroy.com.
