Livingston County announced the return of the Dream-O-Vate Business Competition, a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to launch retail businesses in the county’s nine historic main street districts.
Developed by the County’s Economic Development Office, the competition offers up to $25,000 in start-up grants for winning business plans. It targets innovators in retail, aiming to enhance visitor experiences in the area. Previous winners include Sunrise Bouldering, Six Sprouts Farm Market, and Woodlawn Distilling.
The competition extends beyond financial support, offering branding, website development assistance, and other resources to establish a strong business presence. Open to both new and existing businesses planning substantial diversifications, Dream-O-Vate focuses on food and drink, tourism, specialty retail, and entertainment sectors.
Participants will undergo a ten-week entrepreneurship training program to address challenges like capital access, regulatory navigation, and operational management. The initiative gained momentum with a $500,000 federal funding boost earlier this year, secured by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. Applications are open until January 19, 2024, and can be submitted via mail, email, or in person at Livingston County Economic Development’s office.
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