The Chinatown Experiment

What is The Chinatown Experiment?

Its a facility for entrepreneurs to test run their ideas in a low risk / low cost environment before investing significant capital. These experiments manifest themselves as pop up retail spaces, pop up restaurants, micro-tradeshows and creative events. Its a cross between a business incubator and a real world marketing feasbility study for the artisan, brick and mortar businesses.

I was motivated to create The Chinatown Experiment after running a contracting company for two years. I started with ambitions to try new sustainable processes and use innovative products to build a better construction company. As the pressures of day to day operations mounted and the reality of paying the bills in one of the world's most expensive cities, I found it impossible to try out my ideas and the company I dreamed of never came to fruition. Then on a trip to Portland, Oregon I noticed there was a very diverse small business community and i came to the hypothesis that with low costs/low risk creative people are more willing to try out their business ideas. From those experiences the concept of The Chinatown Experiment was born.

 

Vancouver is Awesome Article

http://vancouverisawesome.com/2012/10/11/the-chinatown-experiment/#more-143529

 

Vancity Buzz Article

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2012/10/vancity-entrepreneurs-the-chinatown-experiment/

 

The Peak SFU Article

http://www.the-peak.ca/2012/10/the-chinatown-experiment-houses-local-entrepreneurs/

 

How it works:

We are creating a turn key experience for entrepreneurs to walk in and only need to worry about their idea. From handling licencing and payment systems to design/build services we can create a custom experience.

A more established business who needs the space for a pop up can rent it. An upstart who needs help filling in the pieces; we can put those pieces together. A fledgling idea can be turned into a full functioning business.

What We Need & What You Get

We are asking for $27,500.00 to finish our renovations, cover our start up costs and pay our rent until the ball gets rolling. We are located in a building that is over 100 years old so the electrical and plumbing need significant improvements.

 

We've put together a great perks package. We will be creating a wall of appreciation for our contributors in our space. Every person who contributes will have their name listed there as a sign of our gratitude. As well we have t-shirts and a large thank you party!

The Impact

From two friends curious to see if they'd work well together as partners to a boutique online retailer testing the waters of a full time physical location, the interested experimenters have been diverse. Every dollar you give will not only benefit our business but you are contributing to every business that enters our doors. Together we can help diversify Vancouver's small business community and build the businesses of people's dreams.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you are unable to contribute but know people who could please share our campaign!

 

If you run a business that creates products that you would be willing to donate to our cause for us to raffle at our in house fund-raisers, please contact us!