Have you ever wondered what Downtown Bradenton would look like if it was given a makeover? Wonder no more – Design Downtown Bradenton is here to give the area a total glow-up!

This community visioning project was created to empower community members to pitch unique business concepts that they believe would be the perfect fit for the area.

It’s a fun and exciting project that combines the world of pitch competitions and public art with a goal of making downtown Bradenton a thriving community. The project aims to attract people to the area and promote local business – all while helping to boost the area’s economy. 

This vision is being led by Courtney Smith, a Bradenton native with a passion for solving problems with an artistic approach. She has quite a diverse background, ranging from professional theatre and non-profit event production to economic development leadership programming. This makes her very well-suited for leading such a powerful project.

Courtney’s vision is to utilize empty storefronts and turn them into something more than just a blank space. Instead, they’ll promote business themes and create a walking artistic experience.

Submit Your Pitch

Design Downtown Bradenton is currently looking for community members to submit pitches for this project. The ideal candidates are aspiring and established entrepreneurs between the ages of 14 and 45 who live or work in Bradenton. If you have a great business concept you’d like to see in Downtown Bradenton, now is your chance to bring it to life!

They’re looking for new and innovative concepts suitable for visual exhibition in ground-floor retail spaces. The ideal pitches will aim to improve the current business mix and bring excitement, attention, and traffic to the downtown core. They’re also looking for inclusive solutions that meet the needs of current and future residents.

Important Dates & Information

You have until July 30th to submit your pitch. Applications will be reviewed by a diverse panel of local community members and all applicants will be contacted with their status by August 11, 2021.

Selected pitchers will collaborate with a graphic artist to transform their idea into an artistic rendering that will be installed over a vacant storefront window in downtown Bradenton. Then, between October 1st and 31st, community members can visit and vote for the most inspiring installation The winner will receive a $1,000 prize.

If you want to make a difference in your community, share your vision, and have a chance to make a name for yourself, get your application in today! Check out their application page for more information and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

If you get a chance to chat with Courtney or her team, be sure to tell them you heard about this awesome project on Discover Bradenton!