Downtown Diversity Initiative attracts more African American businesses to downtown Macon
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb organizations want to bring more African American owned businesses to downtown.
A partnership between Newtown Macon and Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages created the Downtown Diversity Initiative.
Newtown President Josh Rogers says 18 percent of downtown businesses are owned by African Americans. “There had to be a way to attract more African American entrepreneurs,” he said.
The initiative allows five entrepreneurs to call themselves business owners.
The Community Foundation of Central Georgia awarded the initiative $50,000 from the Downtown Challenge Grant. Each recipient received $5,000 for advertising and $1,500 to start their businesses.
Recipients of the Downtown Diversity Initiative
- Beverly Pitts | Carbel Beauty Plus: a second location of Carbel’s Beauty Supply on Pio Nono; Carbel’s Beauty Plus will offer a range of beauty products and services
- Darrin Ford | A Brooke Haven: upscale bar and lounge catering to downtown professionals; A Brooke Haven is slated to open at 401 Cherry Street in September
- Nathalie Armand-Bradley | ModPunch: an interior design firm offering a range of services, including virtual design and organizing services
- Brandon Woodford | Wizdum Clothing: a retail space for independent designers in Middle Georgia and Woodford’s own line of clothing and graphic design services
- Arrkeicha Danzie | Good Boy Goodies: an all-natural dog treat wholesaler servicing clients throughout downtown Macon and Bibb County
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