Downtown Syracuse Business and Property Owners,

Last week, we released the Downtown Committee's first ever Storefront Tips guide. From signage and lighting, to window displays and outdoor space, this guide compiles examples from across the globe to help street-level businesses enhance their curb appeal and attract new customers. Click here to browse our guide. For a hard copy, email mail@downtownsyracuse.com .
In the age of COVID-19, when so many of our businesses are reworking their business models for take-out, social distancing, and masked shopping, Storefront Tips includes small steps businesses can take to reach a new audience. If you’re a retailer or a restaurant, stand across the street and take a new look at your storefront: Is the “Open” sign visible from the street? Have you propped open the front door so customers don’t have to touch the doorknob to enter? How about a doggy bowl signaling that four-legged friends are welcome at outdoor tables? And don’t forget the sidewalk chalk – it’s a great tool to reach customers (no permit required)!
Speaking of sidewalks, the City of Syracuse has just released How to Guide: Applying to Use the Right of Way (ROW) for Storefront Businesses . (Spoiler Alert: Application fees are waived for 2020!). Highlights this year include new COVID-19 distancing regulations for outdoor seating configurations, including options for using neighboring properties’ sidewalk areas and applying to use “parklets” in parking lanes. For details, please click here .
Lastly, this week brings a new funding opportunity for businesses across Central New York. Advance Media New York has announced $1.25 Million in marketing grants to help businesses tell their stories and reconnect with customers. Advance Media wants to help reopening businesses stretch their dollars by offering marketing services grants to support advertising needs. Businesses are encouraged to apply online. Each application will be screened within two business days of submission - and the application should only take a few minutes to complete. The deadline to apply is July 31 .