AgZone is ready to hand over the keys to someone's dreams and all it takes is a loonie.
Dream Big Canada is a campaign initiated by Glendon-based business, AgZone. Created as a way of making a fellow entrepreneur's dream come true, AgZone co-owner Julie Kissel brainstormed the idea that will see their current home, a 1.45-acre property with a 9,000-square foot facility, sell for only $1.
Kissel, along with Dream Big Canada's campaign management lead Carmen Verrier, pitched their venture to the MD of Bonnyville during their corporate priorities meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
"What would you say if you learned of an opportunity where you could purchase a 9,000-sq. ft. commercial facility on 1.45-acres of land for $1?" Verrier asked council. "We can assure you, this isn't a scam."
Kissel and Verrier explained how interested applicants from across Canada have been submitting their pitches for the building. The way it works is aspiring entrepreneurs or current business owners fill out an online form for consideration at a cost of $250.
"It's open Canada-wide for anyone to submit their proposal on what they would do with this facility," explained Verrier. "Afterwards, at the end of the campaign, which is running Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, we will shortlist a selection of candidates who meet the criteria and business proposal acceptance."
Submissions include information about the applicant, their business, their goals, how the commercial property will help them achieve their dream, and how the business will impact Glendon and the surrounding community. A business proposal for the building in either writing, or by video, must be included.
From the 2,100 applications needed to make this campaign a success, Kissel and a small team will whittle it down to 25 submissions, which will be reviewed by a panel of judges who ultimately select the winner.
According to Kissel, AgZone selling their land to the most fit bidder allows them to pursue their own goals of expanding.
"They (AgZone) need to move. They've procured land on Hwy. 28 and that's where their new dealership will be. However... they can't do so without near-gifting this opportunity to another entrepreneur," expressed Verrier.
The application fees are helping recoup some of the cost of the project, Kissel outlined.
"That will help assume the title of the property for the one who wins, some of it will be to help fund marketing, and also even just to give the judges a little gift in the end," she detailed, adding this is why 2,100 entries are needed in order to make the campaign successful.
Should they not reach their goal number of entries, AgZone may extend the application proposal period. If, at that point, they still haven't met their minimum, they may cancel the campaign altogether. If that's the case, Verrier confirmed applicants will be refunded the full amount.
"We're really looking for quality pitches," stressed Kissel. "We truly want a business that's going to be for Glendon. They've done an amazing job supporting us... We really want to give a new business that help and support and help them grow that business community."
Verrier added, "We think this is a wonderful way to give Glendon a little bit of love."
The size and location of the facility mean the opportunities are endless, Verrier said.
Whether it's a dog kennel, mechanic shop, or karate studio, Kissel is open to the various ideas entrepreneurs are coming up with.
The village sees the value in the campaign as well, Kissel noted.
According to the business owner, the village has agreed to make the incentive even sweeter by giving their portion of the municipal taxes to the winner for one year.
"That's very generous on their part... and we absolutely adore that. Anything that we're looking for, is to just help that winner in their first year," Kissel continued.
With that in mind, their ask from the MD was for their support with the campaign by joining the judge's panel that will select the winning business.
Dream Big Canada is accepting proposals until Dec. 31, with plans on selecting the top 25 by Jan. 10, 2020, and notifying the final five the following week. When they will reveal the overall winner has yet to be announced.
Although AgZone's spearheading the campaign, Kissel stressed it's not about promoting their business, but their community and what it has to offer.
"If this does work, how cool would it be for the community?" stated Kissel.
