Today we want to share the great news that The Lo-Down’s Small Business Survival Campaign has been fully funded with still three days to go. This means we’ll definitely be launching a yearlong reporting project focused on solutions to save the Lower East Side independent businesses.
We met our $24,000 goal this morning when the Lower East Side Business Improvement District signed on as a Community Partner, joining Russ & Daughters, Zarin Fabrics and the ZipCard. Since our founding six years ago, The Lo-Down has been dedicated to covering stories objectively from all points of view, so in this project, we couldn’t be happier that support has come from a wide cross-section of our community. Individuals, small businesses and groups have all backed this independent reporting initiative. Tim Laughlin, executive director of the LES BID, said his organization wants to do everything possible to bolster a diverse local economy that takes into account the needs of small businesses as well as local property owners. We’re pleased that all segments of the community will be at the table as we begin this important dialogue.
But our crowdfunding campaign isn’t over just yet. While we’ve met our initial funding objective, your support will not only facilitate more in-depth coverage but it will send a strong message that saving small business is a top priority on the Lower East Side. No contribution is too small.
As an extra incentive, the owners of Donnybrook Bar on Clinton Street have generously offered to throw a party (including a two-hour open bar) for everyone who supported the campaign. It will be one way we thank you for your support and also a chance for all of us to gather together and to share ideas and concerns as the project gets underway.
If you would like to read more about our coverage plans and to join the Small Business Survival Campaign, click the box below.
