Giving Tuesday

Downtown Visions is the non-profit management company responsible for Wilmington’s downtown business improvement district.  

Our mission is the creation, management, and promotion of a quality environment for people who live, work, and visit Downtown Wilmington.   Together with Main Street Wilmington (est. 2007), we have realized great progress.  Specifically, since Main Street Wilmington became a program within Downtown Visions in 2010, there have been dramatic improvements along Market Street, including:

·      The completion of 28 building restoration projects – ranging from new business signage & the removal of 14 external security gates - to complete building façade restorations!

·      The recruitment of Jerry’s Artarama to Market Street

·      Grants provided to over 59 businesses including La Fia, Zaikka Indian Grill, 9th Street Books, Leo & Jimmy’s Flyogi and Sports Connection

These are all significant gains for Downtown Wilmington!  But, how does Downtown Visions/Main Street Wilmington help Delaware at-large? 

The Main Street Program is a proven, community-driven, and comprehensive methodology used to revitalize older, traditional business districts throughout the United States.  Nationally, this program is spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation; a leading advocate for the preservation movement in the U.S.  Together with Downtown Visions, Main Street Wilmington:

·      Addresses the saving of historic buildings

·      Promotes small business recruitment and retention to downtown Wilmington (resulting in employment opportunities)

·      Assists in the marketing and promotion of downtown small businesses to help maximize their success (potentially expanding job opportunities)

·      Offers The Façade Improvement Program - which provides construction jobs

Lastly, Main Street Wilmington relies on grants and donations.   It receives no government funding. Therefore, all of these beneficial activities are made possible by people like you – people who understand how important a strong Downtown Wilmington is to all of Delaware.  You can be a partner in this transformation as we continue to work ambitiously toward further improvement!  By supporting the efforts of Main Street Wilmington with a contribution, you can be a part of real and meaningful positive change in Wilmington!  Each dollar you invest will produce a return to our local economy. 

Please support the efforts of Main Street Wilmington with a contribution today!  Online donations can be made by visiting our website at www.downtownvisions.org/support

Marty

What an Incredible Small Business Saturday!

From a great parade to shopping to live music at venues all over the city to Wilmo Rock Circus - Small Business Saturday was a huge success!

The News Journal wrote a great article about the day, here's an excerpt:

Will Minster, director of business development for the nonprofit Downtown Visions, said efforts to draw people to small business in downtown Wilmington was a daylong event that began with the Wilmington Jaycees' Christmas parade and continued with live music at eight businesses.

"We wanted to add on to the idea and provide great entertainment for everyone who comes downtown for the parade, shopping and dining this Small Business Saturday,” Minster said.

Click here to read the article

I am grateful to our friends at the Wilmington Jaycees, Gable Music Ventures, The Playhouse, the Grand Opera House, World Cafe Live at the Queen, all of the artists and performers who came out to share their talents, our businesses and entrepreneurs, and, of course, everyone who came out to spend time with us in Downtown Wilmington on Small Business Saturday!

Don't forget, you can park for free on the streets of Wilmington after noon from now through the end of December - just keep in mind that the time limits are still enforced. Come on out for lunch, coffee, shopping, and more - and you can leave your quarters at home!

Below are some more shots from the parade, the performances, and Wilmo Rock Circus.

Marty

Vendor and Entertainment Details for Small Business Saturday

This year's Small Business Saturday is shaping up to be a truly unique experience - with new vendors and entertainers coming on board every day!

Here's a rundown of what we have so far - but be ready for more updates as November 28 gets closer:

11:00 AM - Jaycee Christmas Parade along Market Street

1:00 - 2:00 PM - Photos with Santa at the Grand Opera House

2:00 Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Grand Opera House

2:00 The Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Playhouse Theatre

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for this great Small Business Saturday!

Marty

Major projects coming!

A local website recently compiled a list of initiatives and projects coming to the Wilmington area, and I have to say, it's an impressive and encouraging list.

17 Projects Worth $900 Million Coming To Wilmington

This list includes new office space, apartments, restaurants, entertainment space, transportation improvements, our new Creative District, and more.

I encourage you to check out the full list by clicking here and look for ways to take advantage of these exciting new developments in and around our city.

Marty

The Kumba Academy Mural

Kumba Academy is one of several quality schools we have in our Downtown Wilmington neighborhood. Kumba Academy focuses on providing an innovative learning experience and developing a true love of learning.

Some of our Downtown Visions team joined me today in a tour of Kumba Academy's new home on French street - we also brought along one of their projects from their former home on Market Street.

I am really impressed with all that Head of School Sally Maldonado, M. Ed and her staff are doing to inspire and educate our next generation of leaders.

Marty