Meeting Recap: Data & Resources for Businesses (5/26)

We had 25 participants join us for our May 26 public meeting, Data & Resources for Businesses. You can download the slides here or view the recording here. The project team shared some background information about this project, and then Ella Wise from MAPC detailed some of the key takeaways of our assessment of the downtown area and initial needs. One of the key takeaways that seemed to resonate with attendees was that there are so many development projects currently underway in or near the downtown, representing a possible 1,200 new units in the area. While this may bring a larger customer base for our businesses, the conversation came back to how important it is to ensure existing businesses benefit from these changes rather than be displaced. To read more about what our survey responses said, download the full report.

In the latter portion of the meeting, we heard from different business support organizations about the resources they currently provide to Lynn businesses. Here are some highlights, with a few additions:

City of Lynn Storefront Improvement Program - Businesses can receive reimbursement grants for facade improvements or sign installations. Email Rich for an application and program information.
EDIC Lynn Financing - EDIC/Lynn has a rich history of more than 40 years of providing financing to businesses within the City of Lynn. Through innovative programs, EDIC/Lynn is able to put financing tools into the marketplace that allows for capital to become available at very attractive rates.
Lynn Main Streets - This new organization had a very productive first year: establishing the Lynn Community Care Fund with United Way, food security program assistance, small business support with outdoor dining implementation, community programming and beautification efforts. Lynn Main Streets is eager to connect with new businesses, visit their website for more information.
Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce - The Chamber provides marketing and networking solutions, business advancement and development, and business advocacy.
EforAll - Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) is accelerating economic and social impact in communities nationwide through inclusive entrepreneurship. They host business accelerators and pitch contests, as well as workshops.
North Shore Latino Business Association - This small business association helps Latino and business owners and entrepreneurs grow. Their powerful network, events, and technical assistance has been immeasurably helpful to Latino-owned businesses throughout the North Shore.
Creative Collective - Creative Collective is an innovative, equitable, and modern business program that focuses on supporting small businesses across the North Shore. Combining our small business support with economic development and the creative workforce, the Collective creates opportunities and connections that go beyond traditional B2B offerings. Over 250 members have benefited from the hands-on approach to small business support, storytelling, marketing, and human connections. From organizations and institutions to freelancers and gig workers, the Collective is the most effective program for those that have a true passion for what they do.
Finally, check out the helpful workshops the North Shore Community Development Coalition will be hosting in in June.

The next steps will be to conduct one-on-one interviews and focus groups with business owners and begin to pull together ideas for the final plan. By registering for Lynn in Common, you can stay up to date on this project.