Next Community-Wide Open Streets Planning Meeting: July 9th
On June 13th, Seward businesses interested in participating in the Open Streets event this August came together for the first (of two) Open Streets planning meeting at Pizza Luce. We had a great turnout with at least 25 businesses represented from along the Franklin commercial corridor. We heard from Colin Harris, Open Streets’ coordinator, about the inspiration and history of Open Streets in Minneapolis. Colin also shared a presentation of the latest Open Streets event that took place on Lyndale Ave. a week prior. Colin’s presentation sparked a great discussion of potential possibilities for business involvement in the event.
In the second half of the meeting, businesses brainstormed different events and activities for Open Streets participants. Puppet shows, music concerts, street games, menu deals from participating restaurants, and other fun activities were included in the discussion. Coordination of traffic, street closings, bike lanes, and other logistical issues were discussed as well.
There will be one more community-wide Open Streets planning held on Wednesday July 9th at Pizza Luce, 9:15am. This will be the final opportunity for businesses to get involved in the planning, and reserve a place in the actual Open Streets event. Hope to see you all at Pizza Luce this Wednesday!!
Facade Improvement Grants for Small Businesses, up to $5,000
Looking to improve the face of your business? The city of Minneapolis is currently offering their Facade Improvement Grant Program. Business and building owners are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in matching grant funds for various improvements made to their building. Eligible improvements include: exterior painting, windows, awnings, murals, exterior signage, and much more.
Businesses that want to invest in more than one project are able to, up to the maximum grant amount per storefront. For example, if you wanted to paint the front of your shop, AND wanted to install new awnings, the grant would match the cost of the project up to $5,000 ($10,000+ total cost).
Staff at Redesign are available to help with developing designs and getting bids. If you are interested in learning more about this amazing opportunity to receive thousands of dollars in funding for your business, contact Jared Hanks at jared@redesigninc.org.
Business Marketing Strategy: Direct Mailing Program
Interested in marketing your business in an efficient, effective, and inexpensive way? The U.S. Postal Service’s, Every Door Direct Mail program helps businesses do just that. Using this service, you can advertise an event, the customers who matter the most to your business in nearby neighborhoods.
Names and specific street addresses aren’t needed. Simply identify the specified neighborhoods you want to reach and your printed piece is delivered to every active address in that target area. If you’d like to refine your target customer base to include And now, with demographic filters, your mailings can be even more targeted to the customers you want to reach.
Open Streets Planning Meeting: July 9th at Pizza Luce
Join our next community-wide Open Streets Planning Meeting from 9:30 – 10:30am at Pizza Luce on July 9th. Businesses will discuss strategies for coordinating specific activities, booths, and events. This meeting will be the second and final chance to meet up with other Seward business owners to coordinate participation. To report an event you want promoted and ask questions, contact openstreets@mplsbike.org.
Hope to see you there!
July Soloprenuers Meeting
Seward Solopreneurs is a group of small home based businesses. And people who work for a company, but from home. We share resources, network, and talk about the joys and challenges of our work.
The next meeting will be July 23rd at 11am at 2425 30th Ave. S. Join your fellow soloprenuers for a pot luck picnic and interesting discussion. For more information contact Jennifer: jenny AT jenniferlarson.net.
Arson at Bethany Lutheran can’t Foil CTUL Victory Celebration
Friday June 13th, there was a case of arson at Bethany Lutheran Church in Seward. Early in the morning a call came in that there was raging fire in the alley behind the church. The fire left minor window and minimal structural damage to the rear of the building, but thankfully no major repairs will be required.
The fire happened the day before a block party celebration hosted by the Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (CTUL). CTUL is a non-profit that specializes in advocacy for low-wage workers in Minneapolis. The organization was celebrating a recent victory for sub-contracted janitors who clean retail stores in the Twin Cities metro area. The policy implementation will include: ensuring the workers’ rights to collective bargaining, formation of safety committees, and ensuring that workers are not forced to work seven days a week.
Find out more about the work CTUL is doing in the community HERE!
Deals this month at Zipp’s Liquor!!
Stop in to Zipp’s to check out their great deals this month! For the month of July, Zipp’s is offering discounts on canned draft beers, and box wine! There are also deals on liquor including, UV Vodka, Patron, Tanqueray, and Basil Hayden’s Burbon. For more information, click here.
