The LAUNCHPAD Program is presented by Startup Lloydminster, Community Futures Lloydminster and Region, and the Downtown Revitalization Committee (City of Lloydminster).  If you are an emerging or experienced business looking to test a new product, business concept, or get some experience with managing your first brick and mortar store, then this program may be a great opportunity for you. 

We are seeking a qualified business to participate in a pilot business launch program. Qualified applicants will be offered a short-term rental of a commercial tenant space in Downtown Lloydminster. Selected businesses will receive a reasonable rental rate for a term of up to five months. The LAUNCHPAD Program is looking for retailers and service providers to bring creative and innovative businesses to Downtown Lloydminster that will complement the Downtown Area Revitalization Plan.  Eligible businesses will sell a tangible product or unique service to consumers that offer diversity to the downtown area such as specialty food retail, specialty retail, artisans, makers, wellness, fitness, entertainment and personal services (with plenty of foot traffic expected).  We will NOT be accepting applications for offices, professional services, liquor or cannabis stores, nightclubs, restaurants etc. 

Purpose of the Program

• Help launch emerging small businesses into a temporary brick and mortar store
• To allow established local brands to test the Downtown Lloydminster market in a low-risk and low-investment opportunity
• To encourage foot traffic and expand the diversity of businesses and shopping experiences in Downtown

It is intended that the Program will be offered with a total of 4 spots over the next 2 years with a single business operating in each 5 month term.  Term 1 (Dec 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025) and Term 2 (May 1, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025) are ready for applicants.  Note that the terms may change at any time.  The dedicated space for Term 1 is approximately 1,000 sq ft storefront located at 4712 50 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB  (previously Heritage Optical).

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TERM 1 and TERM 2 with space available as early as DEC 1, 2024!

FULL DETAILS HERE!

Our newly designed Expert on Demand program customizes solutions for your business delivered by your local entrepreneur support team.  

Did you know that businesses that admit they don’t know everything are already successful?  As a business owner you are the BEST at what you do, make or create, but likely aren’t as great at other areas of your business.  The Solution?  Why not try out our newly designed Expert on Demand program?  Our experts will work with you on identifying YOUR shortcomings, providing resources and tools, and helping you to gain skills and get better at running more areas of your business.  Think of this as a bit of technical advice, mentorship, and coaching all in one package – and customized to what YOU need for YOUR business!  Regardless of where you are in your business journey (starting, growing, or thriving), we can help.

Pick the Solutions you need for Your Business with pricing from $150.  Check out the full listing of Solutions available to you - from Productivity, Processes and Time Management to Business Plan Review to Customer Satisfaction and so much more!  

MORE INFO!

A collective of business support organizations is working on a project to grow and diversify businesses in the downtown area through an incubator or pop-up type program.  The premise of the program is to offer commercial space at reasonable rates for businesses to test their product, introduce their brand, and/or to launch into a brick and mortar location on a short-term basis (6-9 months).  At this point in time, we are seeking emerging or experienced businesses who may be interested in participating in the program to complete this Expression of Interest form so that we can determine potential businesses, as well as the type and size of space that businesses are seeking.  If you are a commercial owner with space that could be used for a project like this, you are also welcome to complete this form. Project is being led by Startup Lloydminster, the Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee, City of Lloydminster Economic Development, and Community Futures.  * Note - this is not an application or consent to participate, just an opportunity to gauge interest in a potential program.  DEADLINE to submit is SEPTEMBER 5, 2024.

Complete form here:  https://forms.office.com/r/2N9iC2yFxu

Business Owners - we are coming to chat!  Our community Entrepreneurial Supports Team will be hitting the Lloydminster sidewalks for 2 days of Business Walks.  Volunteers from our partners will be stopping in at as many businesses as possible with a short 10 minute survey/chat - we hope you will spare some time for us!

We will be out an about from 10 am to 3 pm on April 16 and April 17.  Our partners include the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, Startup Lloydminster, East Central Regional Innovation Network and Think Lloyd First.  If we miss you and you would like to complete the survey - check out the online version here: https://forms.office.com/r/LtjrhmQrT6

Do I need a Business Plan? We get asked that question all the time. The truth is, yes. Every business should have a business plan.

There are a variety of reasons a business plan may be required for both new and existing businesses. Including, but not limited to:

• You have an amazing business idea but have no idea where to start
• Your business is up and running but you think you need to adjust
• You are looking at selling your business
• You require more funding for your business
• You want to test the feasibility of a new idea
• You need to pitch a new idea to investors
• You want to adjust your marketing plan