retailers in finding financing. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and has been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years. In 2009, Ben Wanzo, a former schoolteacher who also ran an afterschool program, launched his first store as the winner of the Retail Star program. “Teachbar” brings together a café and the classroom—the concept offers tutoring in a café for ages 3 to adults. Wanzo says the idea came to him when he saw the value of cafés and how much people loved being in them. He reports that things are going well and that the concept is still strong. “We have tutors on staff and we also offer complementary programs like goal workshops to help people set goals on a monthly basis,” he says. Wanzo enjoyed the competition that lead to his win. “[The competition] gave me a leg up and my concept was validated by the judges. It was a rewarding experience,” he says. As a teacher, Wanzo admits he knew nothing at all about retail. He says that since his win he has learned the importance of “developing systems, processes and routine; and, having a staff that understands customer service.” Zara’s Wigs, a specialty wig store, opened its doors after the
second Retail Star competition. It specializes in custom wigs for cancer survivors and often offers private appointments for customers.
Each year, based on the center’s available space, the program’s requests for applicants shifts. This year, the focus of the competition was on food retail and it led to “Sweet Abundance,” a specialty cake bakery that opened in the food court at Bayfair. Amiee D’maris with her “Eco Chic Pet Boutique” won a spot at Bay Street Emeryville.
Who wants to be in the mall? Tough economic times call for unique solutions and that is what Provenzano Resources provided to a center that was undergoing a major renovation during the recession. “It is like digging for gold these days because it is hard to find new and unique products that are not another sunglass or cell phone operator,” says Deborah Kravitz, Partner in Los Angeles-based Provenzano Resources. Last year, her firm teamed up with Capri
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