Irving Economic Development Partnership and Womens Leadership Live Launch Shop Main Street America in Heritage Crossing District |
Irving, Texas. May 3, 2018 –
The Irving Economic Development Partnership is collaborating with Women’s Leadership LIVE (WLL) to roll-out a new national program in Irving called Shop Main Street America (SMSA).
On Friday, May 4th, Shop Main Street America will provide free business development training for small business owners, with an opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their dream product(s) to the American Dreams Star Entrepreneur team for a chance to appear on television’s Home Shopping Network (HSN), reaching 96 million households.
On Friday evening, a shopping, dining, entertainment extravaganza will feature local vendors and family entertainment. Local businesses, community leaders and other organizations are working together to grow small businesses and revitalize the Heritage Crossing District Main Street area.
Beth Bowman, President/CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce said, “Shop Main Street America is a great complement to First Friday Date Night in the Heritage Crossing District of Irving. The renewal of Irving’s historic downtown area with small businesses, as well as the very creative activities sponsored by local merchants are bringing new life to the heart of our city. It’s resurrecting a wonderful nostalgic feel to our community, and we invite everyone to participate.”
The Shop Main Street America event, created by Irving Heritage Crossing District merchants, Main Street community leaders, Irving Economic Partnership and Women’s Leadership LIVE, will feature a free business development workshop on creating a successful small business. The May 4th workshop will be from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Study USA in the Irving Innovation Center at 801 W. Irving Blvd. Workshop facilitators are successful entrepreneurs with proven tips on how to launch a small business and keep it on track, as well as advice for business owners who wish to take their business to the next level using social, broadcast and print media to gain exposure, marketing vs. branding basics, and financial advice from an angel investor.
Got something you think would be a winner on HSN? Entrepreneurs with dream products will have a chance to find out at the Shop Main Street America’s “Pitch Contest”! You could be the next TV star invited to present your products on HSN’s American Dreams show. Bring your product(s) and presentation to the Pop-Up Market from 5 pm to 7 pm. The qualified winning entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to introduce their brand/products nationally on LIVE TV to HSN’s 96 million households, meet and be interviewed by Radio Host Brian Glenn from 620AM KEXB “Experts In Business”, and win an opportunity to be showcased inside the gorgeous pages of What Women Create, Where Women Create, Where Women Cook and Where Women Create Work.
Following the training, Shop Main Street America will move to Irving’s Main Street for an evening of food, fun, music, and shopping. Training participants, local vendors and artisans are invited to put up a free product booth and make sales.
The family fun begins at 5:00 pm at Heritage Park (Main Street at Second Street). Children can receive free haircuts and kites (donated by Operation Blue Shield) from the First Responders at Irving Police and Fire Departments. Enjoy dinner as part of the Heritage Crossing District’s First Friday Date Night at local restaurants. Don’t miss the “Pop-Up” shopping market at Glory House Catering (109 S. Main Street) and all the unique, locally-owned businesses on Main Street or Irving Blvd. Wrap-up a lovely First Friday Date Night with Irving’s Concert Series at the Whistlestop Plaza (Irving Blvd at Main Street).
To participate in the training program and to pitch your product, pre-register at www.shopmainstreetamerica.com.
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