Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe, has launched a Startup to Store competition, where local ambitious businesses will be in with a chance to win space in its thriving shopping centre, rent free for six months. This prize package is worth approximately £20,000.
Eden Shopping Centre is inviting local startups to tell them about their business and their plans for future growth. If you’re business is local to High Wycombe or surrounding areas, or you know of a business that would truly benefit from physical presence at Eden – the team at Eden would love to hear about it.
It’s not retail sector specific – the business can be anything from food and beverage, health and wellbeing, fashion, beauty. Eden is just looking for exciting and innovative ideas, that will thrive within a physical space and its shoppers will love. The space up for grabs is 966sq ft and is situated opposite TKMaxx in the centre.
Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe, Startup to Store competition details:
The first round of the competition is simply an online application which closes Wednesday 12th March. After initial judging a select number will be chosen to go through to the second round where they will meet The Eden Shopping Centre team including Centre Director Andrew Norton, alongside judges including Regina Smith, founder of Eden based business, The Brunch Lounge & Graze Delights and Fiona Brownfoot, Director at local lettings agency Hicks Baker. At this stage, businesses should be prepared for some thorough questions from retail experts.
They will then be invited to take part in a showcase at Eden on Saturday 22d March – where shoppers can see what the businesses have to offer and vote for their winner.
The winning start-up will be awarded the keys to a retail space within Eden for them to trade rent-free for six months.
Rebecca Gomme, Eden Shopping Centre’s Marketing Manager, said: “Here at Eden we are huge fans of everything local. We are excited to give an ambitious local business from the community the opportunity to benefit from the thriving retail environment we have created at Eden.
“Eden is committed to creating memorable experiences for the community, with a diverse range of retailers and activities available to all.
“I, for one, am excited to see the creativity, ideas and ambitions of businesses in High Wycombe and believe that Startup to Store is going to see some really interesting entrants.”
Who can enter:
The competition is open to all High Wycombe and surrounding based businesses that have been established for 12 months or more. The competition is open to all sectors, entrepreneurs having to be passionate about their product and have clear growth plans for their business.
How to enter:
Simply complete the entry form where businesses can answer introductory questions. Questions include a brief description of your company, current presence and growth plans, and how the competition would support your business goals. Go to the competition page here.
Next stages:
The final stage will be showcasing their business at an open day in the centre on 22nd of March – where shoppers can vote for their favourite business. The winner will be announced at the end of March.
After the competition:
The winning business will receive six months of free retail space at Eden Shopping Centre, alongside marketing support. The unit size and location will provide the business with the perfect opportunity to grow their business in a high-traffic area of the centre.
What happens after six months?
At the end of the six-month period, the winning business will have the option to rent the space if they wish to continue operating at Eden.
Why Eden?
Within the last quarter alone, 15 local independent businesses have traded at Eden Shopping Centre – either through new store openings or pop-ups. Eden continues to support local businesses within the community, the Startup to Store competition being an unmissable opportunity for local businesses. With footfall being 12,866,280 in 2024, Eden Shopping Centre provides the perfect platform for businesses to grow and expand their brand.
