Sponsored Article
SAFFORD – Does your business need a makeover? Beginning Feb. 1, the Safford Downtown Association will begin accepting applications for its 48-hour makeover event scheduled for April 24-25. Applicants must be
Winners of the makeover will receive $5,000 in cash as well as $500 in merchandise from Safford Builders. The business owner is expected to leverage this investment with their own investment of cash, labor, or in-kind borrowing for maximum impact.
The winner will receive some combination of renovated facade, including potential elements such as signage, awnings, windows, masonry, or cornice repair; upgraded interior space, including merchandising, improved layout and/or space design; updated marketing materials and plan, including social media, e-marketing and print marketing promotions; regional media coverage, including a press release and promotional video; and additional one-on-one technical assistance from the 48-Hour Makeover Committee before and after the implementation period.
How to apply
Applications are available on the 48 Hour Business Makeover – Downtown Safford Facebook page and at the City Hall Annex at 808 S. 8th Ave. in Safford beginning Feb. 1.
Applications must include a demonstrated need for improvement, plans, sketches, and/or lists of equipment that the makeover would fund, and list questions on criteria including increased sales and visibility, impact on the business, improved financial health, opportunity for expansion, ability to leverage the budget with business financial and volunteer support to accomplish a maximum lasting impact on the business.
Finalists who do not win the makeover will receive $500 and the Eastern Arizona College Small Business Development Center has agreed to help with QuickBook classes, business plan counseling, financial analysis, marketing training, social media development, and branding/logo counseling.
The 48-Hour Makeover Committee will determine the winner by conducting site evaluations/interviews and will offer business consulting to the winner.
For more information contact Amber Hogle at (928) 432-4148.
Timeline
March 1 – Applications due
March 6-8 – SDA Board receives and reviews applications to determine finalists
March 18-22 – The 48-Hour Makeover Committee conducts 30 minute business site evaluations and a final selection is made
March 27 – The winner is announced at the SDA Appreciation Luncheon
April 1-5 – The winner and 48-Hour Makeover Committee will meet to address all aspects of the business and plan the makeover event
April 24-25 – The 48-Hour Makeover will be performed
