The Economic Enhancement
Committee strives to recruit new businesses, as well as
implement and maintain programs that increase business
retention. By aiming to recruit businesses that
complement existing businesses, the Committee also functions
to improve the business mix downtown.
The Economic Enhancement Committee is a staff function of
the City of Newark’s Planning Department. No public
meetings take place. To obtain more information on
this committee, call 302-366-7030.
Goals
Goal:
Improve the Business Mix and Recruitment.
Objectives:
1.
Actively recruit new businesses targeted by Downtown
Newark Partnership Board:
A.
Continue to utilize recruitment package highlighting
the benefits of doing business in the City of Newark.
Package contains promotional information about the downtown,
the Downtown Newark Partnership, municipal services,
existing business mix and available incentives, as well as
the demographics of the market area.
B.
Utilize the "business development team" to prospect
for new businesses and provide follow-up support.
C.
Market incentives for opening targeted businesses
downtown, including utility grant program. Provide at least
two (2) utility grants this year.
D.
Research other potential incentives to attract
“targeted” businesses.
E.
Work with realtors to market vacancies. Provide
information about what kind of businesses we are trying to
recruit and distribute information about the
availability/details of vacant spaces.
F.
Update available property listings and related
information on the downtown website
http://newark.de.us/downtown monthly.
Goal:
Business Retention
Objectives:
1.
Work with the Merchants' Committee to determine
training needs of existing businesses.
2.
Provide training, as necessary.
3.
Work with the Small Business Administration, Delaware
Division and the Small Business Development Center, or other
institutions, to provide information on loan products and
application processes to assist businesses considering
expansion or a second location. Provide regularly scheduled
seminars on topics for established businesses on
strategies for maintaining, expanding and diversifying a
successful business, for example: e-commerce and web-based
marketing, direct mail opportunities, how to hire and fire
employees, safety, labor laws and practices, etc.
4.
Continue to market the Façade Improvement Program and
Newark Economic Improvement Programs to downtown businesses.
Develop promotional materials as necessary.
5.
Work with the Design Committee on architectural
assistance grants.
6.
Maintain and improve the Downtown Newark Web Page,
including the ability to accept on-line credit card
purchases for gift certificates.
Goal:
Inter-Jurisdictional Cooperation
Objectives:
1.
Participate in the activities of the New Castle
County Economic Development Council, the New Castle County
Chamber of Commerce and the New Castle County Committee of
the Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
2.
Liaison with the Delaware Development Office, the
Small Business Development Center, the Delaware Main Street
Program, the National Main Street Center, and the Greater
Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Goal:
Regulatory Reform
Objectives:
1.
Examine potential local impediments to Economic
Enhancement.
2.
Recommend and implement in so far as possible
regulatory or fiscal changes to remove impediments
identified.
