Webinar: Commercial DNA Manual
Overview
A vibrant commercial corridor is a cornerstone of every healthy neighborhood as it provides wealth-building opportunities for business owners, jobs for local residents, and ensures convenient access to goods and services. For these reasons, building the strength of local business ecosystems has long been a part of Economic Development efforts. Today, as the impact of COVID-19 threatens the economic stability of millions of Americans, the need to strengthen commercial districts across the country, and make them better able to withstand the impact of unexpected events, is more evident than ever.
During this webinar, Larisa Ortiz, author of the publication, will give an overview of the new Preparing a Commercial District Diagnostic, which provides a framework for local stakeholders to perform a commercial corridor diagnostic and better understand the “DNA” of neighborhood business districts. The webinar will also feature a moderated discussion with representatives from LISC NYC, Citi and New York City Department of Small Business Services on the development of the manual, and representatives from Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, WHEDco and Mosholu Preservation Corporation on how they’re implementing its recommendations and how the tool has helped guide their work. We’ll also hear how the lessons learned are informing funding and activity strategies.
Speakers
• Eva Alligood, LISC NYC
• Daniela Beasley, Moshulu Preservation Corporation
• Janet Dugo, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
• Colleen Galvin, Citi
• Lowell Herschberger, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
• Kethia Joseph, NYC Small Business Services
• Larisa Ortiz, Streetsense
• Yesmin Vega, WHEDco
Recording
Download the presention slides
Additional Resources
The Commercial Corridor Resource Hub distills lessons learned from the Commercial Corridor Challenge and provides practical tools to strengthen and revitalize small businesses and commercial districts.
The LISC Institute spoke to organizations working with small businesses in New York City about the supports small businesses need in order to cultivate resilience before, during, and after a disaster.
This webinar offers participants an introduction to the Commercial District Recovery Guide and a dive deeper into the tips and recommendations outlined in the guide.