Red Wing’s version of “Shark Tank”

Last year in April, Red Wing Downtown Main Street and Red Wing Port Authority devised a unique way to fill their empty storefronts in historic downtown “that would make billionaire Mark Cuban smile.” Together, they announced a joint venture called the Red Wing Restaurant Challenge. “The unique contest offers an incentive package worth up to $40,000 meant to entice at least one new restaurant to fill a vacant downtown space.”

Like “Shark Tank,” entrepreneurs submit their restaurant proposals, “and the best will be invited to pitch their ideas in a scene reminiscent of an episode of the TV show.” However, instead of being “bankrolled by a billionaire,” the winning applicant(s) “will be offered start-up funding, a retail space at a discounted rate, in-kind business support and built-in marketing connections, among other things, valued at up to $40,000.”

Jill Fanslow, the Downtown Main Street coordinator, says, “We're kind of taking that 'Shark Tank' approach, where people will be able to come sell their idea to a panel. Our goal is to build the feet-on-the-street in Red Wing and really get a new light on downtown Red Wing. We really wanted to try something new and different that hasn't been done before.”

To apply and read the rules and regulations, visit http://tastyredwing.com/