New DCMTL contest offers free office space for a year.
By Joseph Czikk
montrealintechnology.com
Published on August 3, 2016
The group of Chabanel business leaders are working to revive their district through business. The Startup Lab Contest will give one winning startup office space for 12 months valued at $13,700. The application process is free to anyone with a business in Quebec, profit or non-profit, and they only need to upload a 60-second video explaining why they deserve the space.
“It’s a great, brand new office. We’re giving a free office to a young company and a chance to be in a real office and not your garage,” said Frédérick Lizotte, DCMTL Development’s VP of commercial development. “We’re going to build it from scratch. It’s a 1250 sq. ft. office space at minimum. We’re really flexible on that matter- if a company has 12 people we can help.”
The initiative follows DCMTL’s launch just a month ago in which the group declared it would help revive the former garment district into a thriving centre for new business. They’ll invest $20 million over five years to help transform some of the area’s oldest buildings from manufacturing and textile plants into modern tech startup hubs.
The area is primarily along Chabanel Street in the Ahuntsic neighbourhood of the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough, close to Chabanel Station. It housed Montreal’s garment district from approximately 1964 to 1985. The free office space will be at 55 Louvain West.
Those interested in the contest will need to fill out the form online before September 14. Ten finalists will be picked and they’ll pitch to a panel of four to five judges, who will select a winner. Announcement of the 10 finalists selected will start on October 3, 2016. Announcement of the grand prize winner will start on October 21, 2016.
The 60-second video will have to explain why the company deserves the office space and how their company will be a fit with the Chabanel area.
We’re looking to reward innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Companies should have viability, hunger for long-term success, and passion for what they’re doing. We want companies that are different and have a fresh approach on things. Our aim with this contest is to re-imagine community support through active investment in creative entrepreneurs. – DC MTL
“We’re trying to re-energize the district here,” said Lizotte. “By helping young companies and offering them free office space we want to help them come into the neighbourhood and become a part of the community. It’s a great opportunity for the demand for us to meet young companies, but also for them to scale on that.”