Twenty start-ups are headquartered at the Innovation Hub in Haverhill, MA, the newest business incubator established by the University of Massachusetts. Start-ups receive access to shared co-working space, conference rooms, and the university’s secure, high-speed wireless network. In addition, the incubator is home to the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Service Corps of…To read more — login/subscribe
Global City Norwich is taking a multi-year approach to downtown revitalization and filling vacant commercial space. It all starts with welcoming the many diverse communities in this Connecticut city. Global City is a unique revitalization model, says Robert Mills, president of the Norwich Community Development Corporation. “Instead of starting off by just addressing empty storefronts…To read more — login/subscribe
In big cities and medium-sized metro areas, downtown leaders take for granted that the city center will be filled with grocery stores, fitness facilities, and pet-adoption centers. It’s a different story in small downtowns, however. Consumers in rural areas might have to drive for hours for basic services. That reality caught the attention of William…To read more — login/subscribe
For many downtowns, attracting and keeping businesses is a daunting task. Downtown merchants often are independent businesses that lack sophisticated support networks and deep reserves of capital. Some downtown leaders have taken pains to make life easier for business owners. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) points out several successful examples of downtowns that are…To read more — login/subscribe
In Tucson, AZ (est. pop. 545,987), and Boston, shared kitchens have attracted dozens of entrepreneurs who run catering businesses and food trucks. The concept is taking off nationally, in big cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta and smaller cities like Shreveport, LA, Harrison, MI, and Loveland, CO, where community kitchens act as incubators…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown Mesquite, TX (est. pop. 142,874), positions itself as a destination for authentic local flavor. But the small business owners who contribute to the historic heart of the city don’t always have a sophisticated grasp of business management or how to tap into the resources that will help them succeed. To address this reality head-on,…To read more — login/subscribe
In Birmingham, AL (est. pop. 209,294), a downtown group is encouraging economic growth through porch parties, a street market for vendors, and pop-up space. REV Birmingham has been focusing on redevelopment of the Woodlawn neighborhood, a historic area located just east of downtown. From April through October, Woodlawn business owners and residents host monthly porch…To read more — login/subscribe
REV Birmingham provides guidance and a small stipend to encourage local residents and business owners to host Porch Parties and spur entrepreneurial growth. It’s easy says the organization: • Choose a 2nd Tuesday between April and October. • Invite your Woodlawn neighbors, family, and friends. • Host a small gathering in your front yard, back…To read more — login/subscribe
Valerie Marmone once ran a clothing boutique in Sacramento, so she knows firsthand how hard it is to operate a retail business in an era of tight margins and online shopping. In her post-entrepreneurial career, Marmone works as vice president of business development at the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. In that role, she runs the annual…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown Mesa, AZ, offers new businesses, a vibrant downtown filled with murals, art installations, and placemaking projects. It also offers small businesses something a little less artistic: The Downtown Small Business Attraction Utility Rate Program. The program provides a 25 percent reduction in energy and water bills for three years for new businesses that fit…To read more — login/subscribe
