Laserfiche WebLink
where they need it —the cost to renovate a space for occupancy. Businesses may be <br />selected through a competitive process and/or target specific neighborhoods <br />(jovvntVvvn) oracorridor (Sample Street). The Lowell FUnd (a partnership of local <br />banks) and/or the Great Streets program in VVeahinQton. DC can serve as models. This <br />can also be achieved with new funding sources such aaEDARevolving Loan Funds. <br />Partner with developers to build turn -key space for small-scale manufacturing <br />businesses in a shared building. Renovated space ready for business use allows <br />businesses to focus on what they do best —run their business, not worry about building <br />renovations and operations. This may work ooenon-profit epeoe|ikenlHubinChioaQo <br />or an industrial building renovation like MaKen Studios in Philadelphia. Any model would <br />need to be adapted to South Bend's market and size, but each model would benefit <br />the South Bend's production economy. <br />4. Increase visibility and business development support for local small-scale <br />South Bend is home to many different types ofsmall product businesses —both consumer and <br />supply chain facing. Yet most of these businesses are operating under the radar —few people <br />in city government know them and few organizations supporting business development are <br />aware of them. Yet, the arno||-noa|e manufacturing business owners are the pipeline of South <br />Bend's growth and future economic resilience. They can also serve anakey "cool factor" to <br />help retain talent and attract others. But they need visibility and help getting it. This includes: <br />� Give small product business owners some public love. The owners could be <br />featured in a running column in the paper, the tourism board could promote them <br />online like Visft Baltiniore, orthe City could run onannual recognition event for small <br />businesses with fewer than ten employees. <br />� Create anadvisory council ofsmall-scale manufaoturingbusin8Gemvvnerotn <br />provide input to the City on policy changes and to the Chamber on business <br />development opportunities. The advisory council can be hosted by either entity but it <br />will be essential that the members of the council represent the diversity of business <br />types and owners inSouth Bend. <br />= Create a one -stop shop City webpage with information and links to local services <br />that help small businesses launch and grow. This can bmmodeled nnthe Pennsylvania <br />One -Stop Shop for small business Vrsimply have everyone connect toone office that <br />will serve oaanombudsman for small businesses inneed ofhelp. <br />� Expand entrepreneurship programs, like Spark, |nVaOti. SCORE and the Notre <br />Dame Idea Center, to be held in different neighborhoods. Additionally, consider <br />adding EforAll in Spanish oroprogram similar to We are Mortar tohelp more under- <br />represented business owners launch and scale businesses. Research shows that <br />access to business development programs, mentors, and a network of business <br />owners helps more businesses gain stability and grow. These kinds of programs help <br />entrepreneurs from under- represented populations create viable buoineaoen, ready to <br />ace|o. <br />