The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) has launched a new program to provide technical assistance and capacity building to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the Bronx. The Bronx Leadership Support Initiative is part of Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and BXEDC’s larger effort to support small businesses and the business environment in the borough.
This program is designed to help the 12 Bronx BIDs advance their efforts in supporting businesses along their commercial corridors. It includes a series of workshops with professionals who will address core BID issues, including: pillars of effective district management, marketing on a shoestring budget and engaging BID boards. Participating BIDS will also receive individualized strategy support, including help developing a strategic plan, and financial support for web design and marketing.
“Our BID community is essential to creating a thriving retail environment in the borough and we are committed to supporting our BIDs to do even better in managing and marketing their commercial districts,” said BXEDC President Rob Walsh. “The Bronx Leadership Support Initiative will further prove that the Bronx is open for thriving businesses. I applaud SBS Commissioner Kim and the Neighborhood Development Team led by Commissioner Calvin T. Brown, Ph.D. in working with us to tailor a program for the BIDs of the Bronx — which I hope becomes a model for the rest of the City.”
Kevin Erwin Kelley, an expert on retail corridors and urban placemaking, kicked off the first of the workshop series.
“The Bronx Leadership Support Initiative series is a great platform for elevating a diversity of insights and developing stronger relationships between Bronx BIDs, the BXEDC, the Bronx Borough President’s office, the NYC Department of Small Business Services and other stakeholders. The recent workshop with Kevin Kelley provided some creative examples of how to activate public spaces and I look forward to exploring additional resources that are responsive to the local needs of the Hub,” said Pedro Suarez, Third Avenue BID.
Upcoming workshops will feature public relations and promotions expert Anat Gerstein, President of Anat Gerstein, Inc., on Tuesday, March 26, and nonprofit board engagement expert Gary Bagley on Tuesday, April 21.
“I believe the upcoming workshop led by Anat Gerstein on Marketing and PR will enhance organizational goals and strategies that can help the Castle Hill BID continue to succeed, while providing the opportunity to work with Anat 1-on-1 and gain insight on effective marketing and promotional strategies. I look forward to this workshop,” said Sasha Y. Ortiz, Castle Hill BID.
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