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downtown, including adding housing. <br />Review existing building codes tuensure they donot create a barrier tosmall-scale <br />manufacturing in commercial buildings or storefronts, or to commercial shared <br />kitchens. This technical assistance did not audit the details of the current building <br />codes, but testing a few prototypes of development (like a commercial shared kitohan, <br />food hall, or makerspace) through the permitting process will highlight those barriers to <br />be fixed. <br />• Integrate all zoning and permitting information into an accessible online p|a1kzrrn <br />so that all small business owners and local developers have access to the information <br />in one place. A number of business owners interviewed noted that they needed to get <br />some of permitting information from hard copies at the library because they could not <br />find it online. This is a major threat to investment and business development and needs <br />tobeaddressed immediately. Aone-stop shop both online and in -person for <br />occupancy permitting will also help streamline the process. <br />• Fund brovvOf|8|dS Phase 1 and 2 StUU|G8 for all properties that were owned by the <br />City at any point. This will move redevelopment forward more quickly in many cases <br />and remove concerns about liability and cost. The Ohio Brownfield Fund ioogood <br />example tobe adapted for South Bend. <br />• Establish a commercial improvement district (CID) along the Sample Street <br />Corridor to organize business and properties to invest in the corridor. A CID will ensure <br />that someone is focusing on next steps for the district, organizing input and buy -in from <br />property owners onthe corridor, and can lead programming tosupport more <br />community and business engagement. <br />� Support condo models in space for small-scale manufacturers to ensure NGOs <br />qualify for key funding. Nonprofit organizations are eligible for funding from EOAand <br />other agencies, while for -profit entities are not. Division ofownership can allow the <br />NGOs to apply for federal funding for capital improvements and programmatic support. <br />� Create a database nfall vacant commercial spaces that would permit small-scale <br />manufacturing uses. Work with local brokers and property owners to collect the <br />information and offer it as part of a matchmaking service to business owners, similar to <br />SFMade's Place to Make initiative or Motor Cit Match in Detroit. <br />3. Create financing programs to support diverse owners of small-scale manufacturing <br />businesses and the property they use. <br />The City has anumber of financing tools and is actively working to expand access to new <br />forms offunding through the C0q-fhandlyinitiative. The completion ofPhase One ofthe `CDf| <br />hiendlyBouthBend^initiativewiUhelptheCdvand|ooa|benhinginduotrybetterunderstond <br />the financial needs of the local small businesses. Anecdotally, funding seems mostly limited to <br />business owners well connected to the City and to Notre Dame. Economic development will <br />only be successful when access to capital and investment reaches all parts of South Bend's <br />business community. This includes: <br />� Launch the CDF|-friendlyprogram and set goals for micro -lending to small <br />businesses inaway that represents the demographic diversity preaentinSouthBend. <br />Bring the program to community events in different neighborhoods and create straight <br />forward handouts that can be given out directly to business owners. Ensure that strong <br />connections are created between potential borrowers and representatives ofbanks, <br />M <br />