Downtown Visions Awarded Grant From Bank of America to Support Main Street Wilmington Program

Downtown Visions was recently awarded a grant from Bank of American to support the efforts of the nonprofit’s Main Street Wilmington program.

From its inception, Downtown Visions’ mission has been to help ignite business creation, enhance service delivery of businesses within the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), and ensure the BID is aesthetically pleasing, clean, and safe at all times.

During 2020 as the City of Wilmington navigated the phased COVID-19 reopening process, DTV continued to guide the creation of small business support programs and offered services to help Downtown BID restaurants, retail shops, arts organizations, and businesses welcome back customers and clients in a safe, socially distant manner to once again thrive. 

The grant from Bank of America will be used to support DTV’s Main Street Wilmington Program, which provides the following services to the Downtown BID:

• Improve the façades and signage of businesses operating in Wilmington's Downtown BID and ensure authentic restorations of historic buildings by working with the City of Wilmington's Design Review and Preservation Commission and local historical nonprofits, such as the Delaware Historical Society

• Boost economic development of businesses operating in the Wilmington Downtown BID by providing COVID-19 focused marketing, event support, and event creation, such as Curbside Wilmington and the Dine Downtown Deal

• Continue with the visual transformation of Wilmington's Downtown BID to create a vibrant and visually pleasing shopping, dining, and living area through cleaning efforts

• Facilitate connections between civic officials, developers, and business owners to support strong economic growth and investment in the Downtown Business Improvement District.

This grant is part of Bank of America's philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to addressing basic needs, medical response, and workforce development for individuals and families, in particular during the coronavirus pandemic; and Downtown Visions could not be more proud to receive this monetary support for Downtown Wilmington DE.

Support Downtown Visions This Giving Tuesday

Through our various initiatives ranging from Safety Ambassadors to Façade Improvement, Downtown Visions works to show the world what an amazing place Downtown Wilmington, Delaware is every day. Our mission is to create, manage, and promote a quality environment for people who live, work, and visit our thriving neighborhood.

During this unprecedented year, Downtown Visions remained committed to the Downtown Wilmington DE community and increased their efforts to help our small business owners get back to business.

• Our Cleaning and Safety Ambassadors are essential to the district and continued working 7 days a week from 6AM to 12AM throughout the pandemic. Our crews also provided immediate clean up after the civil unrest in June.

• Downtown Visions implemented new programming to encourage patrons to visit Downtown and support our small businesses, including Curbside Wilmington, Free Valet Parking, and the Dine Downtown Deal.

• Downtown Visionsalso aggregated relief and recovery resources for small business assistance and regularly shared this guidance with business owners.

We plan to continue our mission, but we need your help to maintain our growing community now more than ever before. Please consider donating to Downtown Visions this #GivingTuesday and support our efforts to preserve, progress, and promote Downtown Wilmington!

Downtown Visions also accepts donations via check. Our mailing address is:

Downtown Visions
PO BOX 2000
Wilmington, DE 19899

Every dollar you donate produces an $18 dollar return to the local economy. Downtown Visions is a 501 C (3) non-profit #51-0362299. All contributions are completely tax-deductible and qualify for community reinvestment.

Your contribution will assist in the restoration and improvement of downtown buildings through our many initiatives and earn permanent sponsor recognition. By supporting our Main Street Program, you’ll provide grants to new and existing businesses within the Business Improvement District, and fund community events throughout the year.

Your investment will bear dividends for years to come. We thank you in advance for your generosity this giving season!

Contact us for more ways to support Downtown Wilmington and contribute to our community projects.

FREE Holiday Shipping Offered From These Downtown Retailers

Shop small this holiday season and support your favorite Downtown Wilmington DE retailers! Several establishments are even offering FREE shipping for all online purchases made through the end of the year. Simply shop online at the following local businesses between 11/1/20 and 12/31/20, and they’ll ship your purchases anywhere within the United States for free:

• Al’s Sporting Goods

• A.R. Morris Jewelers

• LaFate Gallery

• Morgan’s of Delaware

• Spaceboy Clothing

Every small purchase makes a big difference!

Signs of Progress in Downtown Wilmington DE

It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for small business owners across the nation. Between the pandemic shutdown and civil unrest, local businesses have faced unprecedented challenges. While some have sadly been forced to close their doors for good, many have overcome these obstacles by adjusting their business models to provide even more online options for customers.

In Downtown Wilmington DE, not only have our favorite small businesses reopened, but we are pleased to welcome several new businesses to the neighborhood as well!

Grand Openings

Milk & Honey | 239 N Market St

Milk & Honey will open its 2nd cafe & gallery in Wilmington on Market Street in the space formerly occupied by LOMA Coffee. The doors are set to open sometime in October!

Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli | 1204 N Washington St

Rosenfeld's, a traditional, kosher-style deli, is set to open its 4th location on September 30th in Downtown Wilmington next to Washington Street Ale House!

Dorcea | 1314 N Washington St

Dorcea, an inviting American bistro with lots of local beers on tap, opened in the former Domain Hudson space in April in the middle of the pandemic. They use the best ingredients and provide a great atmosphere for dining on Washington Street!

101 dupont place | 101 W 10th St

Live in an icon! 101 dupont place apartments draws from the elegance of yesterday paired with the conveniences of today to create the first luxury living experience within the iconic Dupont Building in downtown Wilmington, DE.

Le Cavalier at the Green Room | 42 W 11th St

Influenced by the flavors of North Africa and Provençe, Le Cavalier is a neo-brasserie inside the Hotel Du Pont offering thoughtfully sourced French classics and inventive riffs on French staples paired with natural wines designed to complement the fare.

Rodney Square Renovation | 1000 N Market St

It's been one year since shovels were put to dirt and the start of the Rodney Square's renovation truly began. Not only is the fountain operational, but there's also new grass, new lighting in place, and new, replanted flower beds around the Square. There's still more to come, but we're excited about the changes we've seen.

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Grand Re-Openings

DECO Food Hall | 111 W 10th St

After being closed since March, DECO food hall finally reopened for indoor/outdoor dining on September 14th. In response to the pandemic, the food hall also introduced new “DECO On The Go” offerings, including all-in-one take-out and delivery.

Academy for Peace | 203 N Market St

On August 22, Dr. Jay celebrated the reopening of the Academy for Peace and the residency of local artist 7God. His art is dedicated to mental health awareness and on display for all to see at 203 N. Market Street!

Convenient Store | 201 W 9th St

After being closed for months, owner Sam Patel reopened the Convenient Store on August 21 with a number of renovations. The Convenient Store keeps the neighborhood happy, selling snack foods, candy, beverages and other goods. It’s also a Delaware State Lottery Retailer, Sports Lottery retailer, and Keno Lottery.

Al’s Sporting Goods | 200 N Market St

Al’s Sporting Goods has been a part of the Downtown Wilmington community for 85 years. Despite heavy looting during the protests, Al’s remained committed to the community and reopened on July 20th with unwavering support from customers. See Al’s first for all your athletic and fashion needs in Downtown Wilmington.

The Queen | 500 N Market St

The Queen Theater reopened on June 24th with enhancements and a renewed focus on local entertainment. The brand new Knight’s Bar and terrace, located just off the main entrance, offers live, local music every Wednesday through Saturday night.

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We rely on our local businesses to create thriving neighborhoods for our residents and visitors every day. Now more than ever before, we need to help our small businesses get through this time of crisis. Please help our support these businesses, and their staff, by:

• ordering takeout

• dining in (& out)

• purchasing gift cards

• following them on social media

• spreading the word about their offers

• posting a positive review

Small Business Resources for Relief & Recovery

Downtown Visions is committed to helping our Downtown Wilmington DE establishments get back to business. A number of organizations have creating funding opportunities in the wake of the pandemic to ensure our small businesses remain open for years to come. If you have any questions about which fund is right your businesses, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

At Your Side Grant is a Small Business Grant Program providing grants of $5,000 to $10,000 on a competitive basis. The program will support brick-and-mortar small businesses in designated Main Street districts as they work to adapt to COVID-19 and prepare for the next phases of reopening across the country, while also helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial corridors.

NCC Winter Ready Restaurant Grants offer independent locally-owned restaurants, as well as Delaware-based franchises, grants of up to $5,000 to winterize their establishments. Any dining establishment or restaurant with an active Temporary Commercial Outdoor Sales permit through the New Castle County Department of Land Use; or an equivalent temporary or permanent permit from the City of Wilmington or other municipality located in New Castle County is permitted to apply. Please submit questions to info@committeeof100.com. Applications are currently being accepted.

City Innovation Ecosystems Commitments Program will bring informal entrepreneurs into the formal economy and providing them with the resources to grow their businesses To support small businesses citywide and to develop a system that levels the playing field for access to resources, Mayor Mike Purzycki and City Council President Hanifa Shabazz formed a partnership with the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, and Wilmington Alliance to participate in the National League of Cities (NLC) City Innovation Ecosystems program (CIE). Wilmington Alliance and the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation will lead the project through the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Wilmington (E3, Wilmington). E3 Wilmington’s mission is to build a citywide strategic coalition of partners designed to identify, vet, incubate and accelerate the launch of new businesses, with targeted focus on Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

WEDCO COVID-19 Loan Program is providing loans of up to $25,000 for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Funds may be used to support operating expenses, enabling businesses to stay open; Change how the business operates, such as a sit-down restaurant implementing the new Delaware safety requirements or adding takeout and delivery options; or to Help small businesses restart. To apply, contact the Wilmington Economic Development Corp at info@wedco.org or visit their website for more information.

DE Relief Grants offer small businesses and nonprofit organizations grants of up to $100,000. A joint effort between the State and New Castle County, and administered through the Division of Small Business, DE Relief grants will assist Delaware small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds for the program come from the federal CARES Act.  DE Relief Grants can be used for purchasing equipment to make a workplace suitable for COVID-19 safety; refinancing of debt incurred due to COVID-19 (including State of Delaware HELP loans); advertising efforts undertaken as a result of COVID-19; and fixed expenses the applicant accrued during COVID-19.  For more information, including a webinar about the program, and to submit an application, please visit the link below. The program has begun accepting new applications as of January 2021.

Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) provides funds to Delaware businesses and nonprofits in the hospitality industry that were most significantly impacted by Coronavirus. It will make available no-interest loans of up to $10,000 per business per month. *Must have been open at least one year.

Wilmington Strong Fund is offering $1,000 grants to small businesses located within the City of Wilmington as recovery for COVID-19 and the recent civil unrest. The Fund has provided in total $117,000 to Wilmington small businesses and is still accepting applications. For questions or more information please reach out to GLantieri@westsidegrows.org.

HartBeat of America is a Main Street Grant Program that helps small business owners respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and also help to revitalize and strengthen older, historic downtown commercial districts. Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded on a competitive and first-come, first-served basis. At least 50% of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, as defined by the SBA as a minority, woman, veteran, disabled, and/or LGBTQ-owned.

True Access Capital Small Business Relief/Recovery Loan Program is offering loans up to $20,000 for small businesses unable to take advantage of Federal and State relief programs for operating expenses and retooling to meet safety requirements. Loans are at 3% and may be deferred payment for up to 12 months.   For more information contact Barbra Willis at bwillis@trueaccesscapital.org or call 302-652-6774, ext. 113.

Urban Development Action Grants – The City of Wilmington’s EDO has been working with UDAG to assist businesses impacted by the recent civil unrest. Questions should be directed to Sean Park at (302) 576-2131 or via email.

FINANTA Emergency Loans is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that serves Delaware and is offering emergency loans from $5,000 to $15,000.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Small Business Relief Grants provide COVID-19 relief for rent & utilities, payroll, outstanding debt to vendors, and technology infrastructure for remote delivery.  The Round 6 application period is now open. Click here to apply. Your application must be submitted by Monday, September 7th, 11:59 p.m. ET.  Before completing the application, please review the Grant Information and FAQ.  Sign up for notifications for the new rounds by clicking the link below.

Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) is for businesses that were damaged or vandalized during civil unrest.  The program assists Delawareans with crime scene cleanups (up to $1,000) and personal safety property (up to $1,500). If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call VCAP at (302) 255-1770.

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Other Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides information on the Paycheck Protection Program loan, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Debt Relief, other resources to support you.

• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):  The PPP is an SBA-backed forgivable loan that has helped small businesses and non-profits continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 outbreak. The SBA is releasing more Paycheck Protection Program funding as of January 2021!

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL):  EIDL helps small businesses with loans that can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster.

• SBA Express Bridge Loans: These loans allow small businesses who already have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to quickly access up to $25,000.

Downtown Development Districts (DDD) Rebate Program was created to leverage state resources to spur private capital investment, stimulate job growth, improve the commercial vitality of our cities and towns, and to help build a stable community of long-term residents in our downtowns and neighborhoods. Approximately $12 million in rebate funding is currently available to qualified investors. Additionally, historic tax credits and other local and state incentives are available to investors. Visit DSHA’s to download the new Fall 2020 DDD Rebate Program Guidelines and revised application materials here.

Chamber of Commerce offers a free reopening guide for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Check out the COVID-19 Reopening Guide for Small Businesses.

EDGE Grant matches grants to young Delaware small businesses through on-going rounds of a competitive selection process. STEM-based companies can receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses, and other businesses can get up to $50,000.

Delaware Capital Access Program and State Small Business Credit Initiative Participation Loan provides financing to businesses deemed too risky for the traditional banking model due to minor collateral or credit issues.

Barclays Bank invites businesses within the City of Wilmington to compete in their annual Barclays Video Pitch Competition, similar to ABC Shark Tank & NCCC Swim With The Sharks. There will be at least five winners with the Grand Prize $5,000, possibly along with a professionally produced video that is intended for marketing.  To apply, you must submit a 1-2 minute video about your business, how it would use the funds, and how it would contribute to our community and customers. The application deadline is September 1, 2020. For more details, please contact Will Minster wminster@westendnh.org, 302-658-4171 ext 142 or Kristin Bowen kbowen@westendnh.org  regarding the pitch requirements or process.

*Updated as of 1/25/2021. Funds may have since been depleted. Please contact the organizations directly for specific questions.