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Support good business neighbors
Long before the supermarket, there were general
stores in rural areas and the corner store in urban neighborhoods.
Kids would gather there after school to load up on "penny
candy" and adults would catch up on gossip as they shopped.
It was a place where the owner knew your name, your parents and
what time you were expected home for supper. |
Although the country store atmosphere has given way to shopping
malls and super centers, neighborhood businesses still play an
important role in the success of a community. "Clearly, they
provide goods and services to a local community and they also
provide jobs," says Ken Wade, CEO of NeighborWorks[R] America,
a nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide support
to community-based revitalization efforts. "Any vibrant and
healthy community needs a small business sector in addition to
the residential sector to make it complete."
There are several steps homeowners can take to promote a strong,
positive relationship with their local businesses:
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Encourage Businesses That Add to Neighborhood Appeal
Support community efforts to attract businesses that will enhance
the neighborhood. A row of quaint shops and restaurants has added
charm to many areas. If a particular type of business is needed,
such as a dry cleaner or a coffee shop, lobby your community leaders
to attract such businesses to your neighborhood.
Include Businesses in Local Activities
Whether you're raising money to buy Little League uniforms or
participating in the school fund drive, remember to ask your business
neighbors to contribute. Savvy storeowners realize that funding
local activities is smart business. "Many of the groups we
work with across the country have strong partnerships with their
local businesses," says Wade. "They help support youth
organizations, social clubs, even community beautification efforts."
Promote Commercial Development
In many urban communities, commercial property is in poor condition
and underutilized. While much of the focus of community revitalization
has been on housing rehabilitation, neighborhoods should work
to improve commercial spaces as well, says Wade. Businesses are
more likely to move into an area if there's an attractive location
from which to operate.
Become a Business Owner
Feed your entrepreneurial spirit! Some homeowners are lifting
their communities by starting their own small business. "There's
no question that home ownership also provides the kind of wealth
and equity appreciation that ca n often be used to start a small
business," says Wade. "If you talk to lenders today,
you'll find that a good number of small business loans actually
stem from home equity loans."
COPYRIGHT 2005 Essence Communications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
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