Building on momentum following the June release of its Centre Avenue Redevelopment and Design Plan, The Hill Community Development Corporation closed out the summer with a series of seminars and events promoting business opportunities along the Centre Avenue corridor.
The August on the Avenue events included luncheon presentations: one for business owners outlining the CDC’s support programs and services, and another designed to make sure vendors and contractors complete all the required Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise paperwork to immediately bid on development work in the corridor and at the former Civic Arena site.
The series concluded Aug. 31 with a business financing session that brought community business owners and entrepreneurs together with representatives from varied funding entities including Citizens Bank, Dollar Bank, Urban Innovations21 and Kiva Zip.
The CDC also held several outdoor events showcasing local entrepreneurs, featuring music and food, all of which were highlighted by the unveiling of micro-business venue constructed on an Urban Redevelopment Authority-owned lot next to the CDC’s building.
The “tiny retail” venue made three small business spaces available local entrepreneurs who do not, as yet, have a brick-and-mortar business address. The temporary wooden structure was erected by 84 Lumber, which also donated the materials.
“Tiny retail is one of the ways we can—right away—simultaneously impact business and vacant lots,” said CDC Program Associate Diamonte Walker. “Because it’s a temporary structure using our electricity with no heating or plumbing, it didn’t require lengthy zoning or building code approvals.”
The business owners taking advantage of the opportunity included Damien Grayson, nephew of Wesley Center AMEZ Pastor Rev. Glenn Grayson, who presented his New York City-based Riche Threads clothing line, Dana Harris-Yates’ Cultural Oasis, featuring massage therapy, essential oils and clothing, Shakelah Knox, whose KISS (Keep It Sweet by Shakelah) offers deluxe chocolate creations including cookies and dipped fruits, and Terina Hicks whose Cobbler World brought its signature desserts, some of which are already sold at Shop ‘n Save locations in McKeesport, Wilkins Township and the Hill, and at the Consol Energy Center during hockey season.
“It’s really worked out well for us, it gave us more exposure,” said Hicks. “The residents have been very receptive and I’m ahead of my projections. I would definitely consider the Hill as a permanent location when I get to that stage.”
Marimba Milliones, executive director of the CDC, said the entire series of events was well received, both by the community and by the business owners who participated in the meetings.
“We thought the tiny retail was innovate and creative way to spur retail, but didn’t know how excited the community would be. The vendors learned a lot about the Hill, and said the interface was very positive,” she said. “And those who attended our seminars said they were all excited about the training and about being part of the initiative to build biz from within the community. Too frequently, they are the ones left out when communities go through development.”
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