SMALL BUSINESS Problems

1
SMALL BUSINESS Problems

• Environment
• Poor street experience dirty, dead trees,
  lighting, dirty storefronts
• No identity for East Liberty
• Parking is terrible
• No interim strategy for vacant spaces
• Not bike and pedestrian friendly
• Coordination and Communication
• Lack of participation by business owners in
  community discussions
• No unified marketing voice for the district

• Tools and Awareness
• Business plans are not a priority in this
  changing market
• Limited sources of patient, low-cost equity
• Workforce issues
• Few know where to go for help
• Change, Uncertain Transitions
• High learning curve and egos prevent asking for
  help
• Businesses hesitant to approach development
• What is going on? No system to connect present
  to future

2
SMALL BUSINESS Solutions

• Environment
• Neighborhood Improvement District
• Parking plan with valet parking during
  development
• Better signage for identity and transportation
• Night time festivals using the arts and local
  venues
• Coordination and Communication
• Use the community website!
• Feature different business each week at arts
  venues
• Small business association

• Tools and Awareness
• Utilize ELDI Business Enterprise program
• Peer to peer network
• Create source of low-cost, patient equity
• Classes to write business plans
• Change, Uncertain Transitions
• Market change in the district better
• Identify what businesses have long-term plans vs.
  short-term (retiring)
• Unify on issues through business association

3
SMALL BUSINESS Action Plans

• Communication
• Spokesperson facilitated by Small Business
  Association
• Utilize local publications and websites to
  publicizes events, specials, openings
• Create internal network of communication for
  small businesses managed by association email,
  message boards, etc.
• Get an East Liberty page in the Bulletin, more EL
  distribution
• Advertise on www.eastlibertypost.com

• Arts and Culture Connection
• Partner with local arts orgs and bring them to
  discussion with business owners for joint
  ventures
• Pair arts events with restaurant and small
  business specials with cross marketing
• Set up a google calendar and connect to community
  website to keep regular list of community
  cultural events