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- Business News - October 15
Business News - October 15
Gear up for GO Fest 🚵
Joya Garris
October 15, 2024
After a two-week-long honeymoon in Hawaii, I’m back in the office! So much exciting news came in while I was away, so this newsletter is a bit longer than usual.
Today’s Top Three:
The Roanoke Police Department announced a new safety plan!
Do you need new equipment for your business? Check out the incentive program from Economic Development.
GO Fest is this weekend in Downtown Roanoke, likely bringing thousands of visitors to the area.
Bonus: We have 4 participation opportunities in today’s edition. Read carefully so you don’t miss any registration forms.
Keep reading to stay informed!
- Joya Garris, Community Engagement and Communications Manager
Stay Informed
RPD’s New Safety Plan 👮♂️
As many of you know, the City of Roanoke Police Department announced its new Downtown Safety and Visibility Enhancement Plan which was developed in response to growing concerns regarding safety and public order.
Here’s a summary of the measures they are implementing.
Officer Ruiz and Officer Morical are assigned to the downtown unit during daylight hours.
Two detectives will dedicate at least one hour per day to the downtown service district
Overtime for bike patrol downtown has been approved
During peak night hours (1:30am – 3:00am), a sergeant and four officers will monitor crowds during closing time.
The Violent Suppression Team will be deployed every other weekend to assist with managing disorderly crowds and ensuring public safety.
For more information, please email Marc Nelson at [email protected] or call (540) 853-2717.
Business Equipment Incentive Program 💰
Exciting news— The Economic Development Authority (EDA) has committed $400,000 over the next two years to provide businesses with matching funds for equipment purchases.
Business Eligibility:
Operating in Roanoke for at least one year in a commercially zoned location
Employ at least two full-time, W-2 employees
Be in good standing with the City's requirements, including business license and taxes
Award Info:
Purchase must occur on or after November 1, 2024
Grants are a 50/50 match, with a maximum award of $20,000
Award recipients have until September 30, 2025 to purchase equipment and submit reimbursements to the Department of Economic Development.
Get Involved
What you need to know for Go Fest this weekend
Let’s cover crucial information about GO Fest at the Basecamp (downtown). GO Fest features live music, beer, demo pools, BMX stunt shows, lumberjack demos, climbing walls, a silent disco, a highline slackline, and loads of outdoor vendors and exhibitors. Click here to view the entire schedule of events or view the music lineup by clicking here.
Check out the map below to know where to find all the fun. ⬇️
A free shuttle to the Adventure Outpost (Explore Park) runs every hour.
Closures: Elmwood Park, Jefferson St between Elm Ave and Franklin Rd, and Franklin Rd between Jefferson St and Williamson Rd.
Questions? GO Fest has created a dedicated FAQ page.
Downtown Candy Crawl 🍬
Join us for Macaroni Kid’s Downtown Candy Crawl on Saturday, October 26th, from 10 AM to Noon.
Trick-or-treaters will be out in full force, with participating businesses handing out candy and treats to eager little ghouls and goblins. If you would like to participate, Macaroni Kid asks that you commit to purchasing and handing out candy or other treats (tattoos, stickers, trinkets) outside of your physical location during the event. Prepare for a crowd and stock up on plenty of goodies! |  |
Downtown Employee Costume Contest 🎃
Compete for CASH prizes and show off your creativity in Market Square by competing in the Downtown Employee Halloween Costume Contest! Registration begins in person at 12pm on Thursday, October 31st. The City Market Building will serve as our rain location.
💵 Prizes: $200 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place, $50 for 3rd place, and $100 for best group.
Call for Dickens Vendors & Late Hours 🎄
Our Downtown retailer form for Dickens of a Christmas is now available. Staying open during the festivities will help boost holiday sales! If you are located away from the festivities and would like to participate, Downtown retailers are invited to vend at a reduced rate.
DRI will list your business in a special Roanoke Times Dickens insert if you commit to staying open late each night of Dickens (Dec. 6, 13, and 20).
DRI will also list your giveaway if you provide one.
We must have applications by October 21st, 2024.
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Santa Needs Your Help! 🎅
Santa’s magical Scout Elves land in Downtown Roanoke on November 29th!
Scout Elves hide in downtown businesses to help keep an eye on the kids and ensure everyone ends up on the nice list. A fun-filled scavenger hunt will bring families to downtown merchants in search of these magical creatures.
This is where you come in. Santa has limited space for how many businesses can participate, and only a few spaces remain! Register now to participate in the Scavenger Hunt.
Santa asks that participants be located in the core so that all locations are within walking distance for the kiddos.
Join us for Small Business Saturday
Gain Knowledge & Network
Networking Opportunity
Get2KnowNoke’s quarterly social will be hosted in Freedom First Credit Union’s beautifully remodeled corporate headquarters (across the street from Elmwood Park) from 5:30-7:30pm on Friday, October 18th during GO Fest!
The networking event will include snacks and drinks provided by Freedom First, a pro bike stunt show, giveaways at 6:30pm, and MORE.
All Get2KnowNoke’s quarterly socials are FREE to attend, but you must join the talent network.
Learn from Peers and Pros
Join the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber at The Hotel Roanoke on Thursday, October 24th for an evening of networking, camaraderie, and opportunities.
Be sure to bring your business card to the Business After Hours for a chance to win enticing prizes in a raffle draw!
Events, Street Closures, & Parking
Downtown Events and Street Closures 🚧
The following street closures and associated events may affect Downtown traffic and business for the week of October 14 - 20.
Straight Street Youth Night on Friday, 10/18 & Saturday, 10/19 from 4pm - 11pm
Closure: Luck Ave between 3rd St and 4th St
GO Outside Festival on Friday, 10/18 - Sunday, 10/20
Closures: Elmwood Park, Jefferson St between Elm Ave and Franklin Rd, and Franklin Rd between Jefferson St and Williamson Rd
Go Fest 5K on Saturday, 10/18 at Elmwood Park & Roanoke River Greenway
Eternally New: Taubman Exhibit Opening on Saturday, 10/18 at Taubman Museum of Art
Closure: Norfolk Ave between Market St and Williamson Rd Bridge underpass
Check out our Event Calendar for a full list of events.
Find Downtown Parking 🅿️
With more than 1,300 on-street spaces and 7,000+ off-street spaces, plenty of free or paid parking options exist.
DRI - Your Downtown Partner
Put DRI to work for you! 💼
Our mission is to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to Work, Live, and Play. As a Downtown business, you have a valuable FREE resource at your fingertips. Let us help share your story!
Website Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our business listings often come up among the first in Google searches. Help us enhance your listing by providing us with vital information including website, phone number, description, hours, menus, and images.
Job Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Downtown Roanoke is the most vibrant workplace around and a destination for job seekers. Let us help get the word out when you’re hiring!
Event Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our Event Calendar is THE place people go to find out what’s happening Downtown. Get your event in front of the audience you’re looking for.
Important Contacts 👤
Often businesses need phone numbers for government services, such as solid waste, permitting, etc., and other services, such as private parking and transportation.
Check out our list of frequently requested information!