Future downtown business owners offered incentive

By Bobby-Jo Keats

 

 

Business owners are being encouraged to open stores downtown in an effort to enhance economic development in the heart of the city.

 

The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association is offering potential applicants a commercial rent subsidy program as an incentive for retailers to occupy available locations downtown with new venues.  The program subsidizes up to 50 per cent of the approved applicant’s rent each month for a period of one year, up to a maximum of $625 a month.

 

Debi Croucher has been the acting director of the DWBIA for almost four years and says the program is intended to attract new business to the downtown core.  She says the programwas launched during the fall of 2013 and since that time six businesses have taken advantage of the rent subsidy.  She said as more people learn about the subsidy, the more interest she has seen. Four businesses using the subsidy are currently open and are two are still to be announced.

 

“In 2011, the DWBIA determined that new retail in the city centre was essential to driving traffic downtown and supporting business that were already here,” said Croucher.  “The rent subsidy program identifies a number of businesses that are missing or absent in the core and we really need to support those that are already down here.” The DWBIA has identified areas of retail that are specifically desired. Croucher says it takes approximately 2 – 4 weeks before applicants are reviewed, approved and awarded the funding.

 

Neelam Sharma opened up her beauty boutique, Little India, using the commercial rent subsidy program incentive. She said the process of getting approved was not difficult.

 

“According to my experience, downtown has potential,” said Sharma.  “Walking to work walking home and walking to shops.  If business owners come together then we can do something good in Windsor.  This is the heart of the city,” she says.

 

Croucher says that downtown residents have been very vocal about what they require to support themselves.  She says the DWBIA believes that residents should have the ability to get what they need without having to leave the city centre because that will further enhance their experiences and way of life.

 

She says the DWBIA feels strongly that this program will help drive additional traffic and visitors to the downtown area and will better support people who come here for events or conferences and so on.  Eligible businesses include apparel, home decor, hardware and home, grocers, art and more.

“I’m very passionate about downtown Windsor.  It’s not just the downtown of our city, it is also the gateway to our regional province and our country as a whole.  For many people visiting downtown Windsor it may be their first impression of Canada.  So it’s really important that we drive the traffic here and we give people the opportunity to visit, to stay and play in the downtown and that they have a multitude of experiences when they’re here.”

 

The Downtown Residents Association represents community interests and encourages activities that highlight public safety, neighbourhood beautification and residential and economic development.

 

Mike Holdsworth is the President of the DRA and also sits on the DWBIA’s board of directors. He believes people who live downtown will especially benefit from the rent subsidy program.

 

“The DRA believes that our downtown should be viewed as a neighbourhood from the resident’sperspective,” said Holdsworth.  “Being a neighbourhood, it should be walkable.  In saying that, you should be able to walk and get everything you need.  For example, groceries, clothing, services, food and entertainment to get you through the day.  When there is an increase in retail development, it all contributes to the neighbourhood.  We work with the DWBIA in many regards and finding the balance for business and residents is always top of mind.”

 

 

Those interested in finding out more information are encouraged to visit www.downtownwindsor.ca or stop by the DWBIA.