The heart of the Midtown Harrisburg commercial district at N. 3rd and Verbeke streets.
Although National Small Business Week was officially postponed, that hasn’t stopped Midtown from celebrating this coming week.
On Saturday, Friends of Midtown launches its “One Midtown: Neighbors Supporting Small Business Campaign.”
Designed by the community group’s business committee, the campaign encourages neighbors to purchase items, food and gift cards from shops in the community in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. The mission fits with the nonprofit’s longstanding goal of economic development in the neighborhood.
“We recognize the intense pressure this is putting on small businesses,” Friends of Midtown President Annie Hughes said. “We want to motivate patrons to keep purchasing from them.”
As an extra incentive, Friends of Midtown is asking people to submit pictures via social media of receipts or gift cards from Midtown businesses. A drawing will be held once a week for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card. The campaign will extend through May 9.
“We see the community as great advocates for small business anyway, so we expect the Midtown community will really step up their game,” Hughes said.
Some businesses have already rallied around this cause, one being Note. Bistro and Winebar. Although they decided to close for the time being, they have encouraged customers to purchase gift cards.
“It’s nice that people are excited to get gift certificates,” owner Ruth Prall said. “It keeps us doing business.”
In addition to the campaign, Friends of Midtown is hosting a social distancing Earth Day cleanup Saturday morning. Community members are welcome to help pick up litter in Midtown while keeping a safe distance from others.
Friends of Midtown has been sharing information throughout the crisis about small business loans, food resources and government assistance programs.
“This is going to be a long road to recovery,” Hughes said. “We intend to continue to try to support small business. It’s vital to Midtown.”
The “One Midtown” campaign runs from April 25 to May 9. For more information, visit Friends of Midtown on Facebook or at friendsofmidtown.org.
