Supporting local businesses across Erie County

Guest Editorial by Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera

Let me be the first to wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! As we head into the holiday season, I want to remind everyone to consider shopping at local businesses, starting with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.

We are fortunate, in Erie County, to have lively business districts across our communities. From Elmwood Avenue in the City of Buffalo to the East Main corridor in Springville, we have unique and vibrant shops across the region to browse for holiday gifts. And don’t forget to stop for a bite to eat at one of the many local bars and restaurants while you’re out.

For residents in Hamburg, the Village Business Association will be kicking off the holiday shopping season with its annual “Holly Jolly Weekend,” this Friday and Saturday. Enjoy the magic of the holidays while visiting the village’s many shops.

The Buffalo Holiday Market will also open on Friday, providing shoppers with the opportunity to patronize local artisans and vendors. Now located at the Richardson Olmsted Campus on Forest Avenue, the four-week shopping series showcases holiday crafters, vintage sellers, holiday food and entertainment. For hours and more information, visit www.buffaloholidaymarket.com.

Also, in the City of Buffalo, the Hertel Avenue Business Association will hold its annual tree lighting and “Sip & Shop” on Dec. 6, from 6-9 p.m. Kids can enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, while businesses will have extended hours to accommodate shoppers.

The Village of Williamsville will hold its own holiday market, with food, vendors, music and more on Dec. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Town Hall. In Kenmore, the Business Association’s annual “Stop, Sip & Shop” returns Dec. 5, from 4-8 p.m. Shops will share their storefronts with pop-up artisans and vendors to provide a wide variety of local goods.

Be sure to check your local municipality or business association website for even more holiday events.

For business owners, Erie County is proud to support WNY Be in Business, a virtual platform that links entrepreneurs to resource providers, business services organizations, funding opportunities and more. The resource navigator allows business owners to search by business type, ZIP code and area of assistance, providing an easy to navigate service. Resources for start-ups and MWBE (Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprise) are also available. Visit the site at www.wnybeinbusiness.org.

The county’s Department of Environment and Planning also provides direct assistance through Community Development Block Grants. The Microenterprise Loan/grant funding is available to commercial businesses that have five or fewer full-time employees and located in one of the Block Grant Communities.

The Commercial Center for Improvement Program is a 50/50 matching grant program for business owners to help with the costs of exterior repairs to their building. These businesses must be located in an income eligible area as defined by HUD. To learn more about both opportunities, go to www3.erie.gov/economicdevelopment/community-development-block-grant-programs.

Erie County was also proud to support local businesses with two rounds of grant funding through the Storefront Revitalization Program.

I hope that, while you are out and about this holiday season, you are able to view the improvements and beautification this program has brought to our business districts.

I wish everyone a very happy start to the holiday season!