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Business Services
CIBS Business Vitality Network develops vibrant businesses and thriving commercial corridors that respond to Bedford Stuyvesant’s needs. Here are just a few of the resources and services the Network provides to small business entrepreneurs and commercial property owners:
RESOURCES
- Grants up to $3,000 to support the cost of improving storefront facades;
- Matching funds up to $10,000 to support mixed use building façade upgrades;
- Matching funds up to $50,000 to support interior renovations of residential units in mixed use buildings; and
- Low interest business loans up to $35,000 for working capital and up to $50,000 for fixed assets
- Access to comprehensive technical assistance and business planning at no cost
- Delivery of security, sidewalk sanitation and maintenance, marketing and beautification within the boundaries of the FAB Alliance Business Improvement District and the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District
EXPERTISE
- Business retention and attraction services
- Financial planning and technical assistance
- Legal service referrals
- Storefront leasing assistance
- Online marketing support
Business Spotlight: Oz Hardware
For years, the Business Vitality Network has helped local entrepreneurs foster and grow their businesses. In 2008, the owners of Oz Hardware relocated their business to a larger space on Malcolm X Boulevard, but needed assistance to improve the storefront’s look. With a matching storefront improvement grant provided by Bridge Street Development Corporation, a Network member, Oz Hardware installed new signage, dramatically improving the store’s visibility and increasing sales.
Photo credit: Kel Sawyer, www.bedstuyblog.com
Photo credit: Kel Sawyer, www.bedstuyblog.com
If you are a small business or commercial property owner in need of assistance, contact Business Vitality Network and get the help you need. The Network is here for you.
For more information about storefront and mixed use building funds please contact:
Kenneth Mbonu
Bridge Street Development Corporation
460 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11216
or
Dale Charles
Pratt Area Community Council (PACC)
900 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 347-823-5700 ext. 11
For more information regarding working capital and/or fixed asset loans, contact:
Bernice McRae
Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation
1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY 11216
(718) 636-6905
For more information regarding business planning workshops, contact:
Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO)
CIBS Business Vitality Network could not assist business and property owners without the continued support of program sponsors such as Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) New York City, JPMorganChase, NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and the Brooklyn Community Foundation. We thank them for their steadfast support of central Brooklyn and look forward to a sustained and fruitful partnership.
