The Gilroy Downtown Business Association is extending the May 17 deadline for “Gilroy Shark Tank” applications to May 31 to allow extra time for local entrepreneurs to submit their business plans.
The brainchild of GDBA President James Suner, the competition is modeled after a popular TV show and will see aspiring business owners pitch their commercial visions to a trio of experienced local business people. The grand prize is a $50,000 cash grant from the GDBA.
The winner will move into one of Gilroy’s vacant downtown business and be mentored by a crack team of successful local business owners.
“Whether your vision is an art gallery, brewery or a hookah lounge, we encourage all entrepreneurs to pursue this exciting opportunity,” said Suner last month when the “Gilroy Sharks,” or judges were announced. This includes Katherine Filice, owner of Articulate Solutions; Jose Montes, owner of D and S Enterprises; and Amber Madrone, owner of Mango Street Kids.
A total of 14 competitors took part in a walkthrough of vacant buildings organized by the GDBA on Saturday. Suner was impressed by what he saw.
“We had a diverse set of applicants. It’s going to be great,” he enthused.
Business ideas so far range from clothing designers to donut shops, explained Suner. The GDBA decided to allow the extra time for budding business owners to make their business proposals and packets “more refined,” he added.
The event will still take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8 at the Old City Hall located at 7400 Monterey St. in Gilroy.
Applications must now be submitted to the GDBA office in Gilroy by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 31. The GDBA office is located at 7780 Monterey St. in Gilroy and the mailing address is PO BOX 2310, Gilroy, CA, 95020.
Application packets and additional information can be found on the Downtown Gilroy website www.DowntownGilroy.com
