The American Rescue Plan’s allocation for communities provides an opportunity for city leaders to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. In this panel session with Toby Rittner, President and CEO of the Council of Development Finance Agencies, as we present ideas for how cities can support small business owners such as:

- Providing technical assistance and training for small business owners
- Grant programs
- Measuring and tracking progress of small business programs

Recorded March 26, 2020

What Does the Coronavirus Federal Stimulus Package Mean for Municipalities & CRE?

Congress’ $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package is the rare legislative agreement that will have an immediate and lasting impact on ordinary citizens around the country. State and local governments will receive $150 billion. The package includes thousands of dollars in direct payments to most Americans and a huge loan package designed to help keep small businesses afloat as Main Street struggles through what could become the worst recession in American history.

Small businesses will receive $367 billion to keep making payroll while workers have to stay home. Companies with 500 employees or less that keep paychecks steady could get up to $10 million each in forgivable small business loans. Federally guaranteed loans will provide eight weeks of assistance for qualifying employers who maintain payroll. Those who meet requirements would have costs such as utilities, mortgage interest and rent forgiven.

Who Should Listen: Economic Developers, Brokers, Retailers, Real Estate Pros, Small Business Owners

Recorded: March 31, 2020

https://www.retailstrategies.com/webinar-what-does-the-coronavirus-federal-stimulus-package-mean-for-municipalities-cre/

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) was signed into law December 27, 2020 and will provide more than $900 billion in emergency assistance due to impacts by the COVID pandemic.

Applications are expected to open for federal small business support by January, 6, 2021, so time is of the essence to understand eligibility for communities. In this webinar we will discuss how relief aid will assist small businesses, non-profits, and citizens within your community.

August 25, 2020 @ 10CST

For many community leaders, understanding how to use historic tax credits and economic incentives for redevelopment projects can be daunting. In this webinar we’ll outline the process of applying for tax credits, what projects qualify, and what the progression of redevelopment entails.

Jenn Gregory, president of Downtown Strategies, will interview Dr. Stephen McNair of McNair Historic Preservation, as they discuss:

• Myths and facts about the National Register of Historic Places
• How to identify historic assets in your community and tax credits at both the state and federal levels
• What opportunities exist for small communities through grants and incentives
• A case study on Atmore, Alabama illustrating the financial impact that credits have on a redevelopment pro forma

Who Should Attend: Economic Developers, City Managers, Elected Officials, Main Street Directors, Chamber of Commerce Staff

September 2nd 2020 @ 10 AM CST

Retail and restaurants have adapted their strategies for site selection, and city leaders should understand what these shifts mean to their communities. In many instances, the pandemic has altered trade areas and produced new needs within a marketplace.

In this webinar, we’ll discuss the steps that you can take to prepare your downtown to backfill vacancies, how to recruit new retail to your Downtown, and the importance of focusing on business retention.

1. Understand vacancies and other commercial assets
2. Pinpoint catalyst development or redevelopment projects
3. Identify missing businesses in your downtown that could be supported by current market conditions
4. Ideas for business retention programs

Attendees will receive a Walkability Assessment of their Downtown and a Recruitment Focus Categories report.

Who Should Attend: Economic Developers, City Managers, Elected Officials, Main Street Directors, Chamber of Commerce Staff

Recorded on May 19, 2020

As cities continue to adapt to a new reality, a focus on progress and planning for retail, restaurant and essential business recruitment is a necessity. Join us for a deep dive into the 5 steps you need to take to make your community retail ready.

Attendees will receive our Retail Recruitment Starter Kit that includes:

• Retail GAP Analysis
• Downtown Walkability Assessment
• Real Estate Inventory Guide

Our speakers will discuss:

• The basics of real estate
• Defining business prospects and timelines
• Data and analytics for retail recruitment
• Small business support
• Conference outlook

Recorded July 21, 2020

Restaurants bring character and uniqueness to our communities, and greatly benefit from the experiences restaurants offer residents and tourists. However, the food and beverage model has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. Without our independent restaurants, do all of our communities become generic?

Join Retail Strategies and Cushman Wakefield for a forward-thinking webinar where we’ll discuss incentivizing food halls as a solution for communities to save their unique, artisan flair. Though the model might be a risk, the food hall public-private partnership could be a winning combination for the future of our restaurants and communities.

Speakers include:

• Phil Colicchio, Executive Managing Director, Cushman Wakefield
• Trip Schneck, Executive Managing Director, Cushman Wakefield
• Lacy Beasley, President, Retail Strategies

In this webinar with the University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development, we discuss the CARES Act and how it affects your community. Jenn Gregory.