A year of rent, capital, and momentum
Free Rent
A one-year free lease on a downtown commercial storefront. We match you with the right space for your concept.
Startup Capital
A cash injection to cover initial inventory, point-of-sale systems, or interior build-out costs — so you can open your doors faster.
Mentorship & Marketing
Business planning workshops, branding support, and dedicated DBIA marketing amplification for your grand opening.
How the Competition Works
Video Pitch & Application
Submit a short video introducing yourself, your concept, and why you want to be in downtown Peterborough, along with the preliminary online form.
Business Plan Boot Camp
Top applicants take part in workshops led by Community Futures and the Chamber of Commerce — refining financials and building a solid business plan.
The Finale Pitch
Finalists pitch their polished business plans live to a panel of expert judges at a public event. The winner is selected and announced.
Open Your Doors
Sign your lease, build out your space with your startup capital, and host your grand opening downtown.
From pitch to downtown staple
Tiny Greens
Tina Bromley turned her winning pitch into a thriving downtown business.
Ritual Apothecary
Nadine McCallen brought her concept to life in the heart of the core.
Sustain
Jonathan MacKay took the prize and opened his doors downtown.
Applications are closed
Win This Space isn’t accepting applications right now. It remains one of our proudest initiatives — get in touch to be notified if a future season opens.