Open for Business
Business Liaison
For stakeholders located directly in the project zone, your main point of contact for all questions, concerns, and emergencies is Heather Kennedy with Cella Molnar Associates. The City of Lynchburg has contracted with her to serve as the project’s business-construction liaison, and her office is located next to the construction zone at 209 Ninth Street (across from City Hall). Her door is open to you at any time and she works one-on-one with businesses and the construction team to proactively troubleshoot any issues before they arise.
Address: 209 Ninth Street | Phone: 434-528-3041 | Email: hkennedy@cella.cc
The City of Lynchburg is partnering with Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) and Cella Molnar Associates to support and promote downtown businesses during construction. We understand that a main business concern is access. We are committed to maintaining access to businesses and residences at all times. Details about building access, detours, garbage pickup, and deliveries will be addressed in August 2019 prior to the launch of construction.
As we look towards the beginning of this project, we are reminded of our Lynchburg 2040 Master Plan which envisions downtown Lynchburg as a bustling and thriving urban core. Although construction will be ongoing for 24 -27 months, starting in September 2019, we are committed to partnering together to ensure that construction impacts our local business community as little as possible. This partnership will give us all our greatest return: a reliable underground infrastructure with a beautiful and meaningful above ground urban experience.
Downtown Lynchburg Association-
Business Owner Support
Additionally, the City is partnering with Downtown Lynchburg Association to creatively market and support our downtown businesses. In addition to creating and managing a comprehensive “Open for Business” campaign, DLA will provide the following services to businesses located in downtown…
Cooperative Advertising and Marketing
The City and DLA are encouraging an informed and proactive business community through offerings like cooperative advertising opportunities. DLA has created a package of buy-in advertising options like sponsored ads or sponsored content in print and digital formats like magazines, television, radio, and social media. This advertising opportunity is offered to all downtown businesses, including those located outside of the construction zone. We realize that construction will impact each and every business in downtown and we believe that this opportunity will help businesses market themselves during construction.
OTHER RESOURCES
Lynchburg Office of Economic Development
The Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism (LOEDT) and the Economic Development Authority continues to implement progressive initiatives and incentives to promote Lynchburg’s business community, centered around eight key areas: Business Attraction, Business Retention & Expansion, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Talent Development, Economic Empowerment, Lodging & Dining, and Visitor Experience.
Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center – Lynchburg Region is a free, confidential business advising and educational service open to all small businesses in our region. They offer free training events to all small businesses along with resources and one on one meetings.
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance works to promote regional economic growth and to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the Lynchburg region. Their vision is to create a region where businesses and individuals thrive. They offer numerous incentives and grants along with other resources to help you meet your business goals.
Lynchburg Business Development Center
The services of the Business Development Centre are available to business owners and prospective business owners in the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford, the towns of Altavista and Amherst, and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell in Central Virginia.
Lynchburg SCORE-Launched in Lynchburg
SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Local chapters provide free mentoring and low-cost workshops in their communities. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as business counselors.
Central Virginia Business Coalition
Central Virginia Business Coalition is dedicated to promoting locally owned retail establishments and service providers. It helps fuel the local economy and preserve the unique character of our area. Many studies have been conducted about the importance of buying local and supporting your neighbors. Local businesses are the largest source of new jobs across the country and help keep money circulating locally.
LCM Downtown Business Pop Up Program
Lynchburg Community Market has announced their Downtown Business Popup program. During the Main Street Renewal Project, downtown businesses are invited to set up at the Market one Saturday a month to promote their business and connect with Market customers. Businesses are free to hand out information, sell their products, or just hang out.