The hard truth

Most aspiring retailers never open.

It's not because their concept isn't good or because they don't work hard enough. It's because nobody ever showed them how the process actually works. 

Dream Space: The Workshop exists to change that.

The timeline is longer than you think.

Getting from idea to signed lease takes at least six months — usually closer to twelve. Most people assume they can find a space and sign a lease within weeks.

The costs are higher than you expect.

A realistic budget to open a long-term brick-and-mortar starts at around $200,000. Most aspiring retailers budget a fraction of that.

The process has a specific order.

You must have a business plan before you search for space. You must have financing secured before you can sign a lease. Most people have it backwards.

Landlords are investors making a bet on you.

To get the space you want, you need to show up prepared — with a plan, a fully funded budget, and the knowledge to negotiate like a professional. Otherwise, you're likely to be dismissed as "too risky."

WHAT'S COVERED

Four hours that change how you see everything.

Opening  |  40 min

Welcome & reality check

We start by getting honest about where you are and where you want to go. You'll share your concept, your timeline, and your biggest question — and discover you’re in good company 

Block 2  |  60 min

The timeline nobody tells you about

A clear, honest map of the months-long journey from idea to signed lease -- including the specific sequence that most people get wrong. You'll place yourself on the timeline and finally know what your next step actually is.

Includes: timeline exercises 

 Block 3  |  60 min

The money math

The real numbers behind a retail budget— buildout costs, what lenders want to see, and why most retailers' budgets are off by 300% before they even start. Includes a hands-on budget exercise that anchors you in reality and prepares you to secure the funding you need 

Includes: gut check budget exercise

Block 4  |  50 min

What makes a landlord say yes

 Landlords aren't obstacles — they're investors. Learn what they're looking for, how to become an irresistible tenant, and what a Powerhouse Business Plan does that a standard business plan doesn't.

FROM OUR RETAILERS

They didn't know what they didn't know. Now they do.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

This workshop is for people who are serious.

You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to be ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building.

You're in the right place if you: 

✓  Have a brick-and-mortar concept you’re serious about bringing to life – a retail, restaurant, fitness, or anything in between

✓  Feel like you're ready to start but aren't sure where to begin

✓  Have been in research mode for a while and are ready to move forward

✓ Want to understand the brick-and-mortar leasing process be/fore committing to anything

✓  Are considering the Dream Space Accelerator and want a head start

This workshop probably isn't for you if you:

X  Already have a signed lease or are mid-buildout

X  Are looking for legal or financial advice specific to your situation

X  Don’t need a brick and mortar

X  Are planning to acquire, not lease, a commercial property 

YOUR EXPERTS

Abby Davids Rocha & Sheila Laderberg Tarasiuk

We've seen leases from every angle.

Pedal Retail Advisors was founded by Sheila Laderberg Tarasiuk, a multi-concept retailer, and Abby Davids Rocha, a retail broker. Together, they've guided hundreds of independent retailers from first idea to passing the reins. 

They built Pedal because they believe small businesses deserve big-business advantages in brick-and-mortar real estate — and Dream Space: The Workshop is where those advantages are unlocked.

Learn more about Pedal. 

THE PEDAL DIFFERENCE

Results that speak for themselves.

READY?

Most aspiring brick-and-mortar retailers never actually open, but you’re not like most people.

The retailers who get open are not the ones who never get stuck. They're the ones who get the right help to move through it.

Space is limited  |  In-person and virtual