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Businesses will get a boost through a new program that aims to drive customers to all Indianapolis neighborhoods. The inaugural group of 50 local businesses was recently announced.
The first round of the Visiting All Neighborhoods initiative represents a diverse lineup of arts and culture spots including theaters, restaurants, studios and event spaces. The program provides a two-year partnership with Visit Indy.
Indianapolis Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Judith Thomas said that can help drive growth.
“Creating opportunities for folks, connecting some of our local entrepreneurs to other folks with ideas and concepts, and getting people in their stores and using their services – that's what it's all about,” Thomas said.
The neighborhood initiative worked with the city and Indianapolis City-County Council members to target all areas. Businesses from 20 of the city’s 25 districts are represented.
As part of Visiting All Neighborhoods, the 50 businesses will join Visit Indy’s partnership program, which includes strategic marketing support to entice visitors through their doors. The program is backed by $100,000 in funding from Visit Indy.
Visit Indy Senior Communications Manager Nate Swick said the goal is to drive visitors and locals to neighborhoods outside the downtown core.
“Obviously when your typical visitor comes to Indy, they're going to be downtown, they're going to be on Mass Ave, Fountain Square, they might go to Broad Ripple. But how do we get visitors out exploring every single inch of this city,” Swick said.
The program was announced and opened to applicants last fall. Another round will kick off this summer.
Community leaders reviewed more than 80 applications and chose awardees based on location, engagement with the community and minority, woman, veteran or disabled-owned enterprises.
A complete list of businesses are listed below.
- AJ's Bar & Grill
- Amore Italian Kitchen
- B. Erin Designs
- Barbecue and Bourbon
- Bash By Baron
- Beyond Barcodes Bookstore
- Botanical Bar
- Brozinni Pizzeria - Speedway
- Buck Creek Winery
- Cafe Audrey
- CBD Jubilee
- Chilly Water Brewing
- Chin Brothers Restaurant
- CityDump Records LLC
- Cork & Cracker
- Davis Jean & Fashion
- Dutchess By Design LLC
- Eckstein Shoe Store and Repair
- Fort Ben Pub
- Foundations Studio
- Fundae's Ice Cream & Sweets
- Goodfellas Pizzeria
- Gravesco Pottery
- Hampton Designs Studio & Shop
- Hindel Bowling Lanes
- His Place Eatery
- International Marketplace Coalition
- Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar
- Kismetic Beer Company
- Lark & Lily Boutique
- Leaf & Limb + a tiny spa
- NV Artistry Studios & Academy
- P30 – Indy
- Pana Donuts
- Paradigm Games
- Reeds Flower Shop
- Restore Skin Therapy
- SHE Event Indy
- Stomping Ground
- Storefront Theatre of Indianapolis
- The Flatiron @ The Point on Penn
- The Murphy Arts Center
- The Propylaeum
- The Silver Linings Coffeehouse
- The Studio Alchemy Art Gallery
- Tibbs Drive In Theatre
- Triton Brewing Company
- Tuggle's Gifts & Goods
- Union Jack Pub
- Zodiac Vintage
Businesses across Marion County are encouraged to apply for the next round of Visiting All Neighborhoods when applications reopen in August.
Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.
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