Inclusive entrepreneurship in downtowns and urban districts

Cathy Lin, Brett Roler, Val Beerbower and Bobby Boone
Additional contact information
Cathy Lin: International Downtown Association (IDA), USA
Brett Roler: Downtown Memphis Commission, USA
Val Beerbower: Sinclair Community College, USA
Bobby Boone: &Access Retail, USA

Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, 2023, vol. 17, issue 2, 151-159

Abstract: Small businesses are not only critical drivers of the local economy, particularly in downtowns and urban districts, but also the creators of wealth and opportunity for small business owners. Entrepreneurs from underrepresented or marginalised groups, however, face a lack of resources and limitations on the networks they need to thrive. Supporting entrepreneurs in these communities is a role that urban place management organisations (UPMOs) can step into to develop the local economy and create vibrancy and a unique identity for their district. Many of these businesses are typically street-level storefronts. Successful UPMOs have a unique skill set to link together public and private stakeholders, and in entrepreneurship can play a direct role in giving grants and identifying storefront space, providing wraparound services and developing programmes for business retention and sustainability. This paper describes multiple ways that UPMOs can support inclusive entrepreneurship. Ultimately, providing opportunities for a greater portion of the population benefits everyone and supports a culturally vibrant downtown for everyone.

Keywords: place management; entrepreneurship; inclusion; diversity; downtown revitalisation; small business; storefront (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R00 Z33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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