November 28, 2011

NECO Community Futures Development Corporation, North Bay

Cultural attractions combined with small business assistance have been successful for North Bay’s NECO CFDC.   

The CFDC was instrumental in the 2005 creation of an artists’ consortium in downtown North Bay called Art of Main.  Each member is an accomplished artist who must meet high standards of workmanship, originality and professionalism in order to qualify. Then, Musicfest was initiated, where individuals could go from one venue to another without taking vehicles; busses were provided by the City of North Bay for this popular event. 

Partnering with the City of North Bay’s Downtown Improvement Area, NECO hosted the Client Showcase for individuals operating home businesses to participate in the city’s old-fashioned Christmas Walk.  Using vacant buildings along Main Street, participants display their goods.  Hundreds of people visit the downtown for the Christmas Walk, so sales are brisk.

Stepping Stones, an incubator for small business, moved from the local mall to an office building.  Ultimately, the goal is the migration to self-sufficiency.  This model is now being used by other landlords.

Photo:  Chair Roman Brozowski and Board Member Steve Dreany, promote easy transportation for Musicfest