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TYSON’S CORNER, Va. (WDVM) – Small businesses in Fairfax County have the opportunity of a lifetime – a free storefront in Tyson’s Corner Center.
The mall launched its first-ever “DreamStart Contest†to offer free rent and a prize package worth over $ 100,000 to selected businesses. The goal is to be a launching pad and incubator for a corporate brand.
The competition attracted 20 applicants, of which only 9 were re-invited for a ‘Shark Tank’ style pitch competition.
italian bakery Bisnonna bakery and brand for children owned by blacks Melanin boy were the big winners. The owners say a storefront in the Tysons Mall will help attract more customers.
“For the past two years, we have been meeting our customers in a public parking lot so that they can get their fix of cannoli and cookies at our house. We are really excited for the opportunity to open a storefront earlier than expected in such a great location with such support, â€said Nicole Liberatore, co-owner of Bisnonna Bakeshop.
New business owner Alicia Abbington says the storefront will help expand her new children’s clothing store, Garcon Melanine.
“I’m a new business, I started in November, so I have an audience but not too many. Having this physical store, especially in Tysons… I will definitely gain more customers and people will be able to learn more about my business, â€Abbington said.
The shops will open at the end of August and the beginning of September.
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