We made the top ten....and the local news!

 

Read a copy of the full article here. 

Read more about the Main Street Challenge here.

Back in March, we worked hard on our two page business pitch. We figured it was a 50/50 chance of getting chosen. We were pleasantly surprised to receive an email last week confirming that Tote Road was chosen as a top ten finalist out of the 27 applications and pitches received by the Heart of Biddeford. Here is a list of our competition:

We received 27 wonderful "pitches" for the Main Street Challenge from folks near and far who are interested in starting up businesses in Biddeford. The ten businesses who have been invited to move on to Phase 2 by submitting a business plan by May 4 are:

1) Dave the Breadman & DoughGirl Cafe, Dave & Mary-Jo Densmore of Scarborough. Stuffed breads, affordable breakfast and lunch options.

2) Franco's Old World French Bistro, Daniel Parenteau of Biddeford. French inspired menu.

3) Dahlia's Delights, Jennifer Thibeau and Wesley Rhames of Biddeford. Vegetarian Cafe. 4) Tote Road, David Clark and Bekah Clark of Saco. Products and services related to wood, including gifts, exhibits and classes.

5) Boom Town, Paula Mason Libby and Robert Libby, of Chebeague Island. Local and eclectic retail, anchor product is a line of clothing made from 100% recycled material.

6) The Wine School of Maine, Svetlana Yanushkevich of Nashua, NH. Wine shop selling wine based accessories and gormet cheeses, foods and chocolates, and will focus on wine education classes and tastings.

7) Kaffee Klatsch, Timothy McCauley and Sylvia McCauley of Biddeford. Coffee and conversation styled after the German phrase Kaffee Klatsch. Wants to work with local downtown supplier for pastries.

8)The Corner Bookstore, Dana Johnson of Biddeford. Bookstore, coffee, gifts, events, flowers.

9) Bookstore/Coffeeshop by Day and Taproom/Event Space by Night. Michael Macomber of Saco. 

10) Union House Custom Catering & Events, Vassie and Jack Fowler. Catering kitchen plus classes in menu planning, grocery budgeting and food preparation.

By the beginning of June we will announce three grand prize winners whom the Heart of Biddeford, the City of Biddeford and many area businesses and banks are pitching in to help hit the ground running!

 

Commence, Business Plan!!