Quick Questions with The Ultimate Start-Up Space Finalists – Part 4

To learn more about the finalists for The Ultimate Start-Up Space competition, each of the 10 finalists will answer 3 questions:

1. Why this idea?

2. Why this space? (Why do you feel like your idea best suits the shop space at 29 Boon Tat Street?)

3. Why this team? (Why do you think you’re the best person/team to realize your business idea in this space?)

In this post, we feature the answers from 3 of the finalists in random order.

Public supports plays a big part in determining the winner. If you have a favorite among the finalists, pledge your support here. Read more

Interview with Low Cheong Kee, founder of Home-Fix

When Singapore was a young nation, and education not universal, our elders did all they could to put food on the table. They rested their hopes in the younger generation, believing that they will take advantage of opportunities the nation’s pioneers don’t have. Through their toil, future generations were able to have higher education and opportunities to be doctors, engineers and researchers. Read more

Quick Questions with The Ultimate Start-Up Space Finalists – Part 3

To learn more about the finalists for The Ultimate Start-Up Space competition, each of the 10 finalists will answer 3 questions:

1. Why this idea?

2. Why this space? (Why do you feel like your idea best suits the shop space at 29 Boon Tat Street?)

3. Why this team? (Why do you think you’re the best person/team to realize your business idea in this space?)

In this post, we feature the answers from 3 of the finalists in random order.

Public supports plays a big part in determining the winner. If you have a favorite among the finalists, pledge your support here. Read more

Quick Questions with The Ultimate Start-Up Space Finalists – Part 2

To learn more about the finalists for The Ultimate Start-Up Space competition, each of the 10 finalists will answer 3 questions:

1. Why this idea?

2. Why this space? (Why do you feel like your idea best suits the shop space at 29 Boon Tat Street?)

3. Why this team? (Why do you think you’re the best person/team to realize your business idea in this space?)

In this post, we feature the answers from 3 of the finalists in random order.

Public supports plays a big part in determining the winner. If you have a favorite among the finalists, pledge your support here. Read more

Quick Questions with The Ultimate Start-Up Space Finalists – Part 1

To learn more about the finalists for The Ultimate Start-Up Space competition, each of the 10 finalists will answer 3 questions:

1. Why this idea?
2. Why this space? (Why do you feel like your idea best suits the shop space at 29 Boon Tat Street?)
3. Why this team? (Why do you think you’re the best person/team to realize your business idea in this space?)

In this post, we feature the answers from 3 of the finalists in random order.

Public supports plays a big part in determining the winner. If you have a favorite among the finalists, pledge your support here. Read more

Two More Days To RedDotRubyConf

Southeast Asia’s first ruby & rails conference RedDotRubyConf is happening in 2 days time. Read more

BooksActually – A Local Bookstore That Thrives In A Digital World

When Borders first arrived on Singapore shores in 1997, it exposed us in Singapore to the potential of bookstores as a social focal point, and more importantly it showed us how bookstores could appeal to the masses and still cater to those who love the printed word with highly knowledgeable staff and a massive collection of book titles.

14 years on, the company in the US has filed for bankruptcy and while Borders Singapore is owned independently by RedGroup Retail (themselves in Voluntary Administration), the reverberations of Borders US’ failure has triggered discussions about the sustainability of physical bookstores in general, and megastores in specificity, especially with digital books and hardware like the Nook, Kindle and iPad being convenient reasons for the issues faced by Borders US. Read more

Martell’s The Ultimate Start-Up Space Gives Your Business A Headstart

Last year Martell launched the first “The Ultimate Start-Up Space” to provide entrepreneurs the chance to launch their dream business in the heart of Clarke Quay, one of Singapore’s hottest nightlife area. Jamie and Cherilyn won the competition with and started “The Chupitos Bar”.

This year, Martell is offering a space in the heart of Singapore’s financial district to the winners of the second “The Ultimate Start-Up Space” competition.

The space located at 29 Boon Tat is a 1,400 square feet store located on the first floor of a beautiful shop-house and the winners will have the space rent free for one full year.

The winners of “The Ultimate Start-Up Space” will also receive S$20,000 starting capital and more importantly will get an Executive Education programme from INSEAD tailored for their business needs and the opportunity to be mentored by two very successful entrepreneurs – Low Cheong Kee, Managing Director of Home-Fix DIY and Jimmy Fong, CEO of EpiCentre.

The top ten ideas will be announced on 20 May 2011. This list will be influenced by public opinion and determined by a panel of industry experts comprised of business leaders from Martell, INSEAD, Home-Fix and EpiCentre. After the top 10 ideas are announced, the finalists will be provided a crowd-funding platform in the vein of Kickstarter and IndieGoGo to generate support from the public for their ideas. The winner of the Ultimate Start-up Space will be selected on 4 August 2011. The store will then be outfitted for the winning idea. If you win, you’ll get the keys to your store in September 2011.

Martell’s “The Ultimate Start-Up Space” is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, so if you have always dreamed of owning your own space, submit as many ideas as you have for The Ultimate Start-Up Space. If you need inspiration, checkout the video below or read about the finalists from last year’s competition.

GOOD Stories • Chapter One: Pursuing Passion

GOODSTUPH kicks off GOOD stories with their first Chapter on Pursuing Passion. They’ve got a great lineup of amazing people with equally amazing stories to share.

1. Kun of Make Studios.
2. Steve Lawler of KULT
3. Kenny and Karen of BooksActually
4. Eeshaun of Gardensilly
5. Jill-Marie Thomas – Singer
6. Dharni Ng – Beatboxer

Of the many reasons there could possibly be to attend this event, meeting Kenny and Karen of BooksActually should be on top of any list. These two entrepreneurs have done something amazing in creating a sustainable, if not successful, bookstore and brand during a period when mega-stores like Borders and Kinokuniya rolled into town and threatened to put an end to the concept of hometown bookstores.

Below are some of the works by the amazing people who will be sharing their stories:

A project done by the superb team at OgilvyOne Singapore and digital maverick Kun of Make Studios.

Nike Trackball from Our Work on Vimeo.

Friendly entrance fee: $10
(Includes 4 finger food dishes and a non-alcoholic drink.

Friendly note: RSVP required

Just a heads up, attendance is only confirmed once you get a confirmation email. Spaces are limited so reserve your places early!
RSVP to steph@goodstuph.org by 11 March 2010 before 1800h!

City Nomads – An Upmarket Groupon Clone

CIty Nomads is another new entry into the already crowded space of Groupon clones in Singapore. In an attempt to differentiate itself from the rest of the doppelgangers, the founders of City Nomads Alex Linton and Shavit Clein have positioned City Nomads as a premium luxury focused group buying site that specializes in food and beverages deals. Read more