Economic Development
The Office of Economic Development works with small businesses and owners of commercial properties to make Bushwick’s shopping districts more vibrant, sustainable, and attractive for local residents and visiting shoppers. Currently, the Office of Economic Development provides funding and technical assistance in the following areas:
Small Business Assistance: The Office of Economic Development provides one-on-one counseling and technical assistance for small businesses on a walk-in basis. Small businesses in Bushwick can come to the office for help with permitting and licensing, business and corporation start-up, loan readiness, remediation of fines and penalties, and business planning.
Retail Attraction: The Office of Economic Development works with owners of commercial real estate to match area vacancies with entrepreneurs looking to start a small business in Bushwick or existing business who want to expand in Bushwick. Program staff work one-on-one with both property owners and business owners to strategically fill commercial vacancies with businesses that will succeed and add to the vibrant commercial culture of the neighborhood.
Façade Improvement: The Office of Economic Development offers matching grants and technical assistance to building owners and business owners in Bushwick who want to aid the revitalization of Bushwick’s commercial strips by making improvements to the facades and interiors of commercial spaces. Currently, funding is available through application on a rolling basis for properties located on Knickerbocker Avenue, Myrtle Avenue, and Irving Avenue.
Other Economic Development Initiatives: The Office of Economic Development collaborates with other organization and agencies throughout New York City to bring economic development projects and programs to Bushwick, including the NYC Plaza Program of the NYC Department of Transportation, which will bring a Pedestrian Plaza to the highly trafficked commercial corridors of Bushwick. Construction is slated to begin in Summer of 2011.
TIMES