Do Business

Do you create things and sell to your friends, who in turn tell you that you should open up a store for your creations? Are you a baker or a chef who wants an outlet to make others happy? Do you have an eye for putting outfits together, and for finding the right shoe for the season? Then you might have that entrepreneurial spirit that makes downtown so great, and you might want to look at exploring that passion this year by joining the downtown community. Now is the time!

When recently asked on the Downtown Fayetteville Facebook page (facebook.com/downtownfayetteville) what people wanted to see come downtown, answers varied from restaurant options to vintage clothing to more children’s stores, but the overall answer was more local, independent retailers. It seems people who come downtown to shop know they are going to find gifts and items that they will not find anywhere else. They know they are going to eat from menus that were specifically created by chefs, and they might not find the same menu items when they go to a different town. They know that the events are a lot of fun with family friendly activities and great entertainment. We even have a growing number of residents’ downtown who enjoy the atmosphere and vibe of an urban setting with cool lofts and apartments. With that, there are a few opportunities that have yet to be explored especially with those complementary businesses that would be great additions downtown such as a flower shop, more children’s clothing stores and a sushi bar.

It is an exciting time to be downtown, so if you are looking to open your own business downtown, call the Downtown Development office at 910-433-1599 for more information. The City of Fayetteville also has programs such as the Downtown Façade Grant, the Downtown Loan Program and the Business Assistance Program. To see if you qualify, call 910-433-1596.It is an exciting time to be downtown, so if you are looking to open your own business downtown, call the Downtown Development office at 910-433-1599 for more information. The City of Fayetteville also has programs such as the Downtown Façade Grant, the Downtown Loan Program and the Business Assistance Program. To see if you qualify, call 910-433-1596.
We can also connect you with local resources such as CEED (Center for Economic Empowerment and Development), the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Center at FTCC and other organizations that can help you with solid business advice and help you as you construct your business plan. If you are ready to take the plunge into owning your own business, the tools are there, you just need to start now!