News | Downtown Wilmington

small businesses wilmington de

Transforming Wilmington One Façade at a Time-218 Grille, Residence Inn and 9th Mile Galleria Receive Grants

218 Grille

Within the Wilmington Downtown Business Improvement District, a block-by-block inventory done by Downtown Visions in 2009 showed that 78% of the buildings would benefit from improved façade treatments. Today, over 66 buildings have been improved, most recently 218 Grille, Residence Inn and the 9th Mile Galleria. 

 

 

 

A walk down Market Street proves that the program has been incredibly successful in the restoration of the once hidden and neglected historic character. Market Street now provides visitors and residents with a charming and welcoming atmosphere thanks to restored buildings and storefronts through Downtown Visions'  Façade Improvement Program and Main Street Program. Downtown Visions staff oversee each individual exterior improvement project from beginning to end as well as provide grants on a matching basis up to $25,000 per façade improvement. For more information on the program and how it could benefit your business or entrepreneurial venture, click here. 

 

 

 

1300 market street
9 mile galleria

Start Your Business's Year Off on the Right Foot with Classes at the Delaware Libraries!

Business Classes Wilmington DE

The Delaware libraries are hosting a series of Small Business workshops throughout January. Topics include:

  • Using Customer Service as Your Competitive Advantage
  • Identify Your Customers & Competitors Using Census Data
  • Increase the Probability of Success: Own a Franchise

Questions on the upcoming classes? Email janet.wurtzel@lib.de.us

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Downtown Wilmington is the Perfect Place to Start a Small Business!

small businesses wilmington DE

Is one of your goals for 2018 to start a small business? If you are an entrepreneur already, or have a great new business plan, Downtown Wilmington, DE is the perfect place to make a home for your business.

With a current thriving small business community, new corporations and organizations constantly incorporating in the city due to the State's tax structure and hundreds of new residences currently being built there is so much opportunity within the city!

Here are some resources to help get you started:

Downtown Visions- From façade improvement to financial assistance guidance, Downtown Visions has several programs specifically designed for those desiring to start a new business in the city, check them all out here. 

Downtown Visions also has workshops and events for small businesses. To stay updated on upcoming events, be sure to subscribe and follow us on Facebook.

Small and Minority Businesses and Tax Assistance- resources for small and minority-owned business as well as networking information can be found here.

Programs through the City and State- A tax abatement program, relocation/workforce development assistance, Grow Wilmington Fund and loans, architectural and engineering feasibility work matching, technical assistance and more information on the Downtown Development District can be found here. 

Complimentary Business Advice with a Certified Mentor- and more, including complimentary workshops for small businesses, can be found here through the Score program.

Starting your business and looking to live close by? Here are lots of great apartment communities right downtown! 

An Old-School Shoe Repair Shop Keeps Wilmingtonians Feet Looking Fancy!

Wilmington DE Shoe repair shop

In a day and age where things seem disposable, Michael Flood has been bringing old soles back to life since the young age of 16, when he began learning the trade. 

With a charming small shop in downtown Wilmington, called Show Tech, I stopped by to drop off some information but was quickly struck by the amount of customers coming in and out. Recalling my favorite purse slung across my shoulder was being held together by a safety pin, I put it on the counter. Doubtful, I asked, "Can you fix this?"

"Of course, that would be easy, it'll be done by this afternoon," Mr. Flood explained. 

The purse was as good as new. From now on, instead of thinking I need something new when a favorite pair of shoes or purse breaks, I'll take them to Shoe Tech first. 

I encourage you to take a look in your closet and see if there is a long lost treasure that you would love to have repaired. Take it to 111 W 9th street and you will not be disappointed. Check out these impressive before and after images!

Before

Before

shoe tech after

After

 

Shoe Tech

Shoe Tech on Facebook

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab