Building neighborhoods one business at a time

December 10, 2007
By Karen Gentry
MiBiz

WEST MICHIGAN — Neighborhood business districts can benefit from the “Shop Local” movement that is gaining momentum as more people realize how their retail shopping affects local economies.

The movement brings with it opportunity for businesses, particularly in downtowns and other business districts, according to Muskegon Main Street Manager Dan Rinsema-Sybenga.

“There’s an opportunity for folks if they create the right atmosphere and sell the right products,” Rinsema-Sybenga said. He noted that type of market is for customers who find appeal in the unique and more “homey” shops.

Muskegon has successfully attracted some small businesses. Jilly’s Gallery moved onto Western Avenue, which serves as a regional Main Street. Rinsema-Sybenga said Mia’s Cake Originals, specializing in high-end cakes, plans to open in the Third Street business district. A small Mexican restaurant is moving there as well. Downtown Muskegon could also use a women’s apparel shop, high-end sporting goods store and a bookstore or newsstand.

“I think it’s an exciting trend for people to think of districts as having unique character that represents that neighborhood,” Rinsema-Sybenga said.

Neighborhood Ventures in Grand Rapids works to redevelop or build on the vitality of neighborhood business districts through business recruitment and retention, improved aesthetics and business climate.

Neighborhood Ventures Executive Director Kimberly Van Dyk said her organization helped owners of the recently opened Stray Dog Café on Wealthy Street with a business plan and a location. Neighborhood Ventures also helped connect owners Mike and Lori Knorr and Jason Brown with financial contacts for business loans.

Van Dyk said Grand Rapids is made up of 20 neighborhood business associations. Neighborhood Ventures is helping new business owners fill retail spaces in the Franklin Eastern Business District — one of the most densely populated areas in the city — with $153 million in buying power. Paula and Tyrone Guy opened R 3 Station for physical therapy and massage. The development is now home to a deli, barbershop and accessories store, with room for one more retailer.

“They’re just a great example of young, energetic entrepreneurs who are putting their money where their mouth is,” Van Dyk told MiBiz.

She said the Grand Rapids residents are fulfilling their dream of being successful business owners and helping to revitalize the community.

Besides the Grand Rapids business districts, there are other business associations near Grand Rapids that are making a difference. United Bank Branch Manager John Knoppers formed the East Paris Business Association about a year ago. The association represents businesses in Grand Rapids Township as well as parts of Grand Rapids and Kentwood.

Several hundred businesses in a two-mile area make up the district. Knoppers said the association now meets monthly and has about 30 members, although he would like to see that number jump to 100.

Despite a surge of new businesses along East Paris Avenue and beyond, it was hard for business owners to get to know each other without an association.

“This place doesn’t have a community feel to it. It’s spread out up and down a couple of major roads,” Knoppers told MiBiz.

Businesses run the gamut from retail stores, restaurants, banking, offices and medical to real estate.

“We really need to get connected to each other. We’d like to have a voice,” Knoppers said.

To get the word out, the East Paris Business Association is planning to take part in the Adopt-a-Highway program and coordinate a drive to recycle electronics.

The Division Avenue Business Association has been around for decades and encompasses 28th Street to 44th Street in Wyoming. Division Avenue Business Association President Tommy Brann, owner of the Brann chain of restaurants, said the 48-member group meets monthly to be proactive and discuss issues of concern.

“We do things ourselves. We want to make sure our perception is good,” Brann told MiBiz. “We’re good for the neighborhood. There are businesses, yet still families walking down the street.”

Brann noted that Division Avenue’s cadre of about 50 used car lots gets no respect. “They come up financially for our organization and they’re out there sweeping at eight in the morning. They get a bad rap, but they don’t deserve it,” Brann said.

Battle Creek isn’t large enough to be divided up into neighborhood business districts, according to Jim Baldwin, co-CEO of Neighborhood Inc., a federally funded neighborhood revitalization organization. The main districts are downtown Battle Creek and the Beckley Road corridor near I-94, as well as the industrial park.

Neighborhood Inc. recently received a Kellogg Foundation grant to do some small business development that will be used to help small business owners with business plans. Neighborhood Inc. owns three community houses and is looking for a fourth that would serve as neighborhood center in the older, urban area. The homes are on South Wabash, Lathrop Avenue, Hubbard Street and a virtual community house in the Spring Grove Hills neighborhood. The four communities come together for Communities Unite to help do common programs.

Baldwin told MiBiz many residents depend on walking and public transportation, and good old-fashioned general/grocery stores would help support many older neighborhoods.

“We’re trying to get back a sense of neighborhood.”

This article appeared in the Monday, December 10, 2007 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who are employed in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz, visit www.mibiz.com.