Do you have an idea for a retail business but need a little help getting it started?

Langley wants to be there for you.

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The Downtown Langley Business Association is offering more than $100,000 in incentives to lure aspiring business owners to Start It Up Langley.

The winning entrepreneur will receive:

• six months’ free rent

• branding and marketing support

• legal and accounting fees

• business coaching and

• a grand opening reception.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one B.C. entrepreneur to get their business idea started, and we are so excited to help someone’s dream come to life,” says Teri James, the BIA’s executive director.

“Downtown Langley is an ideal place to open a new business. Both the customers and the merchant community are extremely supportive. People come from far and wide to shop here because you can find all kinds of amazing things that you won’t find anywhere else.”

To enter the contest, participants must submit a short video explaining their business idea and explain how they would contribute to the Downtown Langley business community. Applications will be accepted until May 11, 2018. Full contest entry details are available at startituplangley.com.

Judges will select five semi-finalists who demonstrate a strong business idea and a commitment to enriching the community of Downtown Langley. The public will then be invited to vote on their favourite entries. The three entries that receive the most votes will be announced in early July with the grand prize winner being announced on July 16.