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.
