Jennifer McClellan

The Republic | azcentral.com

This time, it's an independent restaurant that's taking over a Starbucks.

Marriott has an empty space, formerly Starbucks, on the ground floor of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 50 E. Adams St., Phoenix. And that's where the global hotel company wants a local entrepreneur to open his or her dream restaurant.

Through a program called Canvas, Marriott will award a person or group $50,000 in start-up funds, free rent for six months and free consultation from the company's food and beverage personnel.

Submissions, which can be made at canvas-startup.com, are open until Friday, Jan. 16. Those interested must fill out an application form, explaining points such as how the concept is relevant to the local market. They must upload a video and a business plan as well.

A judging panel will select several finalists, based on creativity, passion, marketing plan and profitability potential. Those chosen must be available for in-person interviews on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 29.

A winner is expected to be announced before Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1. The restaurant target opening date is in April.

Questions can be emailed to Dana.Pellicano@marriott.com.