NWS Business Development

The NWSI’s Small Business Development Committee is proud to announce a comprehensive array of new projects and programs intended to foster the growth of new and existing businesses in the Near Westside community. Our current initiatives include:

1. The creation of a neighborhood business association, which will work to promote, support, and develop the area business community;
2. A micro-financing program, which will provide access to funding for local entrepreneurs and businesses interested in expanding;
3. An Entrepreneurship Program, which will work to assist entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in the NWS;
4. Business counseling services, for individuals investigating the potential of owning their own business, acquiring an existing business, opening a franchise, or expanding a preexisting business;
5. A Business Peer Mentorship Program, which will provide support to entrepreneurs interested in locating in the neighborhood.

It’s very important to us that our projects are for local businesses by local businesses. That’s why it’s crucial that all of our initiatives are the product of a mutually beneficial collaboration with neighborhood business owners. A majority of our projects are in response to the findings of the SALT District Business Survey, which was conducted last summer. The survey identified, mapped, profiled, and surveyed businesses in the NWS neighborhood and the final report consisted of a comprehensive analysis that is assisting the NWSI to better understand the dynamics and perspectives of the business community, and in the creation of a small business development plan. Guiding the implementation of our projects will be the NWS Business Association, which is open to all businesses located within the neighborhood.