Preparing Your Concept Deck

 

WHAT IS A CONCEPT (PITCH) DECK AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

A concept (or pitch) deck is both a highly visual and written presentation, typically in powerpoint or .pdf format, that is meant to communicate your vision for your business and often used to showcase a proof-of-concept in order to secure buy-in from landlords, lenders, and other investors. The design is equally as important as the written content, as both communicate to the recipient your overall vision for your business.

 

  • Business name, main contact person with phone number and email, and include any social media or website presence.

  • What is your reason for opening this business at this time in this location?

  • Why this business and why now? What are your core values? What sets you apart?

  • What experience do you and/or your team bring to the success of your business?

  • If relocating an existing business, share milestones that are important to your growth journey.

  • Share images, either of your existing business, existing marketing, or your inspiration for a new business.

  • Your deck should be well-designed to represent your brand’s identity. Utilize brand colors, typeface, character, and culture.

  • What types of services will your business offer? This is where you share menus, hours of operation, retail category mixes, planned programming, target demographic info, etc.

  • What will the physical space look and feel like? Use photos, when possible, of existing businesses or inspiration.

  • What does your business require from a space? Size in square feet? Do you need a kitchen exhaust, storage, bathrooms, office, outdoor space, high foot traffic, a sense of discovery, etc.? What condition of space are you looking for, new construction, historic, previously occupied, etc? Is there a type of existing building that is preferable for you, mixed-use with residential, single story, etc.?

  • Where do you envision this business, tucked away in an alley, on a main street, on the top floor, next to a parking lot, etc?

  • Who are the people that make up your business, and what is unique or special about them? Who makes up the ownership, and what are their roles and experience?

Defining Space Requirements

 

When preparing to tour space, whether on your own or with a broker, or trade professionals, be prepared to explore the following:

SQUARE FOOTAGE

What is the total amount of space you need for your business to preform all the services to its best ability. What is the best division of this space, including storage, back-of-house, front-of-house and restrooms.

 
 

CONDITION

Are you looking for a blank slate, also known as a ‘white-box’ or do you prefer a previously occupied space? Can the space house a full kitchen and exhaust? What are the electrical limitations? Are there existing restrooms and are they code compliant for my use? It’s not always the most economical choice to retrofit a previously occupied space. Make sure you select a space that works best for your concept and not rely on what the previous occupant built.

TRADE PROFESSIONALS

When selecting a space, its best to bring the trade professionals you plan to work with through the space for their review. This may be your interior designers, architects, general contractors, A/V technicians and engineers or other trade specialists required to make your vision become a reality.

 

OPERATIONS

When considering a space for your concept, do not overlook how your daily operations will be met in the space. Where are deliveries received? Is there a location for trash and how much and how far? Is there nearby parking for myself, staff and customers? If so, what does it cost to park? Is there access to public transportation?

 

SIGNAGE

Will your business require one or multiple signs? When discussing whether a space is right for you, be sure to identify the opportunities for signage, both on the exterior and in the storefront windows. Ask what the signage restrictions are, if any, and the process for receiving signage approvals.