The 2022 Reinvent This Space winner is Alissa Enns.

The competition — a partnership between the Municipality of Leamington and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre — was developed to support local small business, spur economic development and revitalize Leamington’s uptown.

Alissa Enns will receive up to $15,000 in Community Improvement Plan (CIP) grant funding to cover 12 months of rent for an uptown Leamington storefront.

Alissa’s plan is to open a plant-based bakeshop.

“The Plant-Based Bakeshop will be a community-focused café that brings people together in unique and innovative ways,” said Alissa Enns. “The Bakeshop will offer plant-based baked goods, specialty drinks including coffee, tea and smoothies, light meals such as soups, salads, bowls and sandwiches, and products from local vendors.”

The 2022 Reinvent This Space winner, Alissa Enns, with Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald.

“A community-focused plant-based bakeshop will be a fantastic addition to Leamington’s uptown,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “Alissa’s passion for business and community, and her well-developed business plan really show the value she can bring to our community.”

The Plant-Based Bakeshop was selected by the Reinvent This Space judges who evaluated the top three applicants to the program.

All participants received in-depth training and support from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, a division of Invest Windsor Essex, to help develop their business plans.

Participants were also offered in-depth mentoring from a panel of local business leaders over the course of the competition.

The Plant-Based Bakeshop is anticipated to open its doors in 2022.