Neighborhood program aims to give boost to small businesses

A new project aims to promote businesses in all 25 council districts across Indianapolis.

The Visiting All Neighborhoods program partners with the City-County Council members, Visit Indy and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement to highlight 50 community businesses. Entrepreneurs may apply or be nominated for a two year Visit Indy partnership to shine a light on operations.

In a written statement Mayor Joe Hogset said Indianapolis is a city of neighborhoods. “The Visiting All Neighborhoods initiative not only supports the distinct business landscape of each neighborhood, but it also lets visitors experience more of that thing that makes our city such a great place to live – our people.”

Visit Indy Senior Communications Manager Nate Swick said the goal is to drive visitors to neighborhoods outside the Downtown core.

“This city has so many doers, movers and shakers and creators outside of those neighborhoods,” Swick said, “so we’re really looking to uncover what else is happening and why should people come out.”

The businesses will receive promotion through advertising, social media, video content and blog posts. Switch said the goal is to drive more visitors to diverse communities.

“As we make our way to the other side of the pandemic, I think people are really looking to kind of uncover these hidden gems they weren't focused on before,” Swick said.

Businesses must be based in Marion County and be in operation for at least 12 months. The application period will run through Nov. 30.

A panel of community members will select the businesses for the program. There are plans to continue the Visiting All Neighborhoods program in coming years.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.