Downtown Vancouver Launchpad

Ready to Launch your Idea?

The VDA Launchpad is a regional competition offering a community-sponsored grant valued up to $50,000 in monetary resources & in-kind services to an aspiring entrepreneur seeking to open a new brick & mortar storefront in Downtown Vancouver, WA.

Our most recent winner is Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, watch the video to your right to view their space, and the videos below to follow the process.

APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSED—The VDA Launchpad will restart when funding permits, we are currently seeking corporate sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or a future applicant for this program, please contact [email protected].

Common Questions

This is a regional competition providing an incentive package worth up to $50,000 for one selected retail business that will open in Vancouver’s downtown in 2020/21, creating a launchpad for the area’s next creative and entrepreneurial retail idea.

WANT TO BECOME A PARTNER?

Offer your expertise, goods and / or sponsorship as a part of the $40,000 incentive package offered through the Vancouver Downtown Launchpad. Email [email protected] to inquire.

WANT TO BECOME A COMMUNITY SPONSOR?

Join as an individual community sponsor to help support this effort to recruit a new business into our downtown! DONATE

WHAT IS THE LAUNCHPAD?

This is a regional competition providing an incentive package worth up to $40,000 for one selected retail business that will open in Vancouver’s downtown in 2020, creating a launchpad for the area’s next creative and entrepreneurial retail idea.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The competition is open to all legal U.S. residents, 18 years of age and older at the time of entry. The winner must open their business within competition boundaries from the 5th street north to Mill Plain, and I-5 west to Kauffman before the end of 2020 to receive the incentive package.
Proposed businesses must be for-profit, independent operation or franchised. Any new or exisitng business idea is eligible, including local businesses that apply as an expansion. Preference will be given to business that is bring a new element to our downtown.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?

Applications must be received by midnight on January 31st 2020.

HOW WILL THE WINNERS BE CHOSEN?

Semi-finalists will be picked from all qualifying applications by a selection panel of downtown stakeholders. The finalists will be selected after a review of their submitted business plan. The winner to be chosen based on a final presentation to the selection panel.