The Business District Initiative focuses on supporting vibrant business districts or nodes that are, or are trying to have an easily recognized identity, encourage walkability and connections between places within and near the district or node, have public spaces that make people feel welcome, and reflect the communities that they serve. While some business districts have developed over time to reflect most or all these elements, many districts, nodes, or business clusters are at different stages of achieving these characteristics. BDI funds projects that advance these goals. BDI seeks to fund interventions that advance the above elements. In general, eligible uses include, but are not limited to: • Attracting New Businesses: Initiatives focused on recruiting new locally-owned businesses to the district including comprehensive district-wide marketing, branding, and promotion efforts. • Placemaking Strategies: Design and implementation of strategies to enhance community identity that enhance the area's sense of place. • Public Realm Enhancements: Improvements to public spaces to encourage open and accessible use and enhance walkability, such as street furniture, wayfinding signage, and other fixtures that enhance the area's sense of place. • Technical Assistance for Business Districts: Support services for establishing special service districts or business associations, including financial, legal, tax-related services, and merchandising assistance. • Small-Business Incubators: Establishment of incubators to support the growth and development of small businesses. • Additional Projects: Other initiatives aligned with BDI objectives, subject to prior approval from Hennepin County staff.
