Welcome to Unlock the Block!

This is the application for business owners who wish to be considered for occupancy in a property through the Unlock the Block initiative in downtown Dover, Delaware.  Please note that those most eligible to apply:

- Are existing business owners and successfully operating at present in a significant capacity.  They have an etablished  customer base and can provide figures for a 2018 revenue as well as a projected revenue for 2019.
- Are willing to consider committing to a two-year lease at a downtown properties.  In some cases potential multi-tenant spaces may allow less.
- Will be evaluated as to readiness to participate in a live "Pitch Contest" where they will present their business concept, business readiness and intent to participate in a juried process consisting of Unlock the Block small business partners and property owner(s) that make up the Unlock the Block "project team."
- If selected to participate in the Pitch Contest, will proceed with same, or will notify Unlock the Block personnel of their intent not to participate or lack of capacity to participate within a timely manner.
- Authorize photos, testimonies, etc. related to Unlock the Block to be publicized as part of the process. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION WILL BE DIVULGED OR DISCUSSED BEYOND THE UNLOCK THE BLOCK TEAM.

It is helpful if those that are completing the project application have previously attended an Unlock the Block Information Session and ideally also a Pitch Clinic.  Having not attended one of these does not preclude a business owner from applying.

IMPORTANT: In addition to completion of the questions in this document, a completed application will include a business plan and one-page overview,  as well as a financial statement for the business, all of which must be sent electronically to UnlockTheBlockDE@gmail.com.  This  address will be provided again at the end of this document.  No pitches will be considered or heard without application, and associated materials.

NOTE: If you are not ready to submit the business plan and one-page overview at this time, you may submit them any time by/before July 8, 2018 to UnlockTheBlockDE@gmail.com.  

DATE of Pitch Contest: Targeted for August 12-23, 2019

Participants will be scheduled for a specific time to make their pitch.  This "pitch time" along with additional instructions will be emailed to participants at least a week before the pitch presentation.

Considering the above items, if you are in agreement that you reasonably meet these prerequisite items please proceed with completing the application below:

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* 1. Applicant First Name

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* 2. Applicant Last Name

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* 3. Email Address

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* 4. Cell Number

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* 5. Name of Business

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* 6. I have read the prerequisite items that were listed at the beginning of this questionnaire and believe I am qualified to proceed with a full application:

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* 7. Home Address

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* 8. Where is your business located?


If you are applying with a Co-Applicant, complete questions 9-13.
If you DO NOT have a Co-Applicant, proceed to question 14.

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* 9. Co-Applicant First Name (only if there is a Co-Applicant)

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* 10. Co-Applicant Last Name (only if there is a Co-Applicant)

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* 11. Co-Applicant Email Address (only if there is a Co-Applicant)

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* 12. Co-Applicant Cell Number (only if there is a Co-Applicant)

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* 13. Business phone number

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* 14. Business email address

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* 15. What is the legal structure of your business?

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* 16. Briefly describe your business type/concept:  (For example, barber, home health care, food/restaurant/take-out, etc.)

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* 17. Current number of employees (including yourself):

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* 18. Last year's business revenue (2018):

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* 19. Projected business revenue for this year (2019):

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* 20. Provide your business FEIN:

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* 21. I am interested in being considered for the following property(ies): (Check all that apply.)

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* 22. I have completed and/or attended the following:

VERY IMPORTANT!

Your application is not complete until you file three documents electronically:

1.  Business Plan
2. "One-Pager" describing an overview of your business concept.  Not to exceed one page.  
3. Financial statement for the business.

The above two documents must be sent electronically to UnlockTheBlockDE@gmail.com

All participating judges in the Pitch Contest will have access to your complete application, including answers to the questions herein, the Business Plan and the One-Pager.

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* 23. Where did you learn of Unlock the Block? (Check all that apply.)

Thank you for your interest in Unlock the Block!  In a moment, you will be directed to the project website.

We will confirm receipt of your application within approximately 24-48 hours (business days only.)    

Questions? Contact Diane@DowntownDoverPartnership.com or Tina@downtowndoverpartnership.com or RickFerrell@hotmail.com

To visit the Unlock the Block project website to view videos, available properties, etc., click here.

Partners and sponsors of Unlock the Block:
Downtown Dover Partnership
City of Dover
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Division of Small Business 
First State Community Loan Fund/Women's Business Center
NCALL - Restoring Central Dover
Small Business Development Center/Small Business Administration

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