WDI Weekly Newsletter
April 29, 2022
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Avelo Airlines announces service at the Wilmington International Airport |
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Avelo Airlines announced Wilmington as the newest city to its network with three new nonstop routes: Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI).
The new routes will begin on June 30 and July 1, and will operate on Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Low introductory one-way fares on these new routes are available at AveloAir.com. Visit the Wilmington International Airport website for additional flight information.
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$200 Million Remains Available as Categories of Eligible Businesses Expand |
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The N.C. Department of Revenue (NCDOR) plans to launch the application for Phase 2 of the Business Recovery Grant (BRG) program on Monday, May 2, with changes to the program’s eligibility criteria allowing many additional businesses to qualify for these grants.
BRG will issue a payment to an eligible North Carolina business that suffered an economic loss of at least 20% during the pandemic. The grant amount is a percentage of the economic loss demonstrated by the eligible business or $500,000, whichever is less. The application deadline is June 1.
“Barbers, cosmetologists, gyms and other service providers were hit hard by the pandemic and it’s important to expand these grants to help them too,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy and strong support for them is critical.”
Many businesses excluded in Phase 1 are eligible to apply in Phase 2. In addition to COVID-impacted businesses in the hospitality industry, such as restaurants and hotels, the BRG is now open to other businesses affected by the pandemic, such as:
- Farmers and Agribusinesses
- Gyms and Trainers
- Salons and Barbers
- Massage Therapists
- Dentists
- Lawyers
- Doctors
- Interior Designers
- Hardware Stores
- Pharmacies
- Landscapers
- Mechanics
- Tailors and Dry Cleaners
Additionally, a business’s previous receipt of a grant award from certain federal programs will not make it ineligible for a reimbursement grant. This list is non-exhaustive, and businesses are encouraged to visit the Business Recovery Grant program website to learn more about eligibility criteria beginning May 2.
Following the initial application period, which closed on Jan. 31, approximately $203.5 million remained of the $500 million in funds initially authorized for the program. NCDOR worked with the N.C. General Assembly to expand eligibility to certain businesses impacted by the pandemic but that did not qualify for the first round of funds.
“Our hope is that the expanded Business Recovery Grant program requirements will encourage more eligible North Carolina businesses to apply,” NCDOR Secretary Ronald Penny said. “These funds are available for eligible businesses that suffered a financial loss because of the pandemic and we want to make sure those businesses receive them.”
Two types of grants will be available to eligible businesses for Phase 2:
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A hospitality grant is available to an eligible arts, entertainment, or recreation business, as well as an eligible accommodation or foodservice business such as a hotel, restaurant, or bar (NAICS code 71 and 72).
- A reimbursement grant is available to an eligible business not classified in NAICS Code 71 and 72. A business’s previous receipt of a grant award from certain federal programs will not make it ineligible for a reimbursement grant.
Gross receipts reported on the expanded list of tax forms can be used to calculate an economic loss for Phase 2, making the BRG available to sole proprietors, corporations, and other businesses that do not report gross receipts on Form E-500 or Federal Form 1065. This may also provide a larger grant award to businesses that primarily provide services.
On May 2, eligible business owners will be able to apply for Phase 2 online. More detailed information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions will also be available on the NCDOR website.
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Pre-order a copy of "DARE to Dream" today! |
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Pre-orders are now open for "DARE to Dream," a new book by Gene Merritt, a longtime Wilmington resident, property owner, economic developer, and co-founder of D.A.R.E (Downtown Area Revitalization Effort, founded in 1977), which later became Wilmington Downtown, iNC.
"DARE to Dream" focuses on the history of the revitalization of downtown Wilmington and is packed full of stories and photographs.
To pre-order your copy of "DARE to Dream," email Gene Merrit at gene@genemerritt.com. The $25 pre-order price covers the printing and mailing costs.
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Interest rates are rising: Lock in a Microloan at a rate of 2.625% before the next increase. |
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Wilmington Downtown, iNC is urging businesses seeking small capital loans to apply for the Microloan Program before interest rates rise again this year.
A business approved for a loan as part of WDI's Microloan Program can receive up to a $20,000 loan at 3/4 of the New York Prime rate. As of this week, the rate is currently 2.625%. The loan rate is fixed on the date of closing.
In addition, WDI is awarding $1,500 grant checks through its Microloan Assistance Grant Program to support 15 businesses that close a Microloan.
WDI has developed this financial assistance program to directly support entrepreneurs and incentivize small business investment.
Businesses inside and beyond the traditional downtown footprint in the Central Businesses District (CBD) can apply for the program. The WDI Microloan Program is aimed to help existing small businesses weather the impacts of COVID and attract new businesses to start in the CBD and the City's emerging districts.
Our emerging business districts are: Brooklyn Arts, Cargo, Castle Street, North Waterfront, Northside, South Front, and Soda Pop districts.
WDI has joined with Civic Federal Credit Union as the underwriter for this lending program.
WDI manages the intake for this program, while Civic Federal Credit Union manages the lending and review of businesses’ sensitive financial information.
Microloans facilitate business spending on eligible expenditures, including purchasing inventory, paying up to 3 months of rent, buying furniture, making equipment purchases and repairs, and adding/expanding e-commerce capabilities.
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Zimmer Development Company is currently hiring a full-time Administrative Assistant. The company is looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented and meticulous individual with excellent organizational and communication skills.
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The Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar is currently seeking a Kitchen Manager. This position is in charge of supervising line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers.
If you are interested, please apply at The Shuckin' Shack or click here to apply online.
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Cape Fear Community College is hiring an Assistant Registrar. This full-time position will handle a multitude of tasks to support the Registrar's Office.
Click here for more information about the position and to apply.
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Wave Transit is currently hiring for its vacant Deputy Director position. This is a full-time job with an annual salary range between $90,000 and $105,000.
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Front Street Brewery is currently hiring hosts, kitchen staff, line cooks, and dishwashers! The downtown brewery and restaurant is looking for customer-service-oriented team members to greet and seat guests.
To apply, visit Front Street Brewery at 9 N. Front St. to grab an application at the host stand!
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Apply in person at the City Club of Wilmington anytime
Wednesday through Friday between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
City Club is located at 23 S. Second St. in downtown Wilmington.
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Museum internships are also offered and can be combined with your field of study. Email your resume and cover letter to internships@playwilmington.org and explain the area of operation you are interested in.
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Wilmington Water Tours is hiring for all positions, including inside and outside sales, mates, and float attendants.
Stop by the shop at 212 S. Water St., Tuesdays through Sundays between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for applications.
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Tarantelli's is a family-owned restaurant downtown serving authentic Italian dishes and wine.
Tarantelli's is currently hiring a line/prep cook to join the culinary team!
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Floriana is now hiring front of house and back of house workers!
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Mellow Mushroom is hiring at its downtown location! Job positions include hosts, dishwashers and kitchen staff.
For more information call the restaurant at 910-769-6688 between 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
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Front Street, is currently hiring baristas.
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Head to 28 N. Front St. at its downtown location to pick up an application today.
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Homegrown Market in Wilmington is now hiring cashiers and looking for a store manager.
Click here to fill out the application on the website!
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Swahili Coast is now hiring folks who can help tell the story of their partner artisan co-operatives. Hiring full and part time as well as internships for qualified candidates.
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If your business is hiring please let us know! Send WDI a list of your job positions and other details by emailing office@wilmingtondowntown.com.
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Join Acme Art Studios at 711 N. Fifth Ave., for an opening art exhibition to benefit Ukrainian Refugees. All art sales go to the World Central Kitchen.
The art exhibit will run through May 20.
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This market focuses on unique local art, as well as handmade items, vintage finds, and up-cycled goods.
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Sunset Cruises with Live Music:
April 29 with Paul
April 30 with Nick Black
All cruises begin at 6:30 PM
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On May 4, StepUp Wilmington will host its Annual Fundraiser at Live Oak Bank Pavillion. The Luncheon begins at 11:30 AM, and the after-hours celebration starts at 5:00 PM.
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Support small businesses and network with local entrepreneurs at the Hot Summer Pop Up Shop on May 14 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
This event will be outdoors with drinks and music and is free to the public!
Click here for more information about the event and how to become a vendor if you are a small business owner or an entrepreneur.
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April 29
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fried Fruit Art Gallery
615 S. 16th St.
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April 30
3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St.
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April 29
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut St.
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April 30
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Yoga Village
1002 Princess St.
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May 1
6:00 PM
Bottega
723 N. Fourth St.
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May 1
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
On Front St. between Dock and Market streets
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May 4
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hi-Wire Brewing
1020 Princess St.
May 8
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hi-Wire Brewing
1020 Princess St.
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May 7
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Memory Lane Comics
201 Princess St.
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May 7
7:00 AM
Intersection of Princess St. and Second St.
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Show starts at 6:00 PM, May 1
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Show starts at
6:00 PM, May 16
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Show starts at 7:00 PM,
May 20
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Show starts at
7:00 PM,
May 21
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Show starts at 6:00 PM,
May 24
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Show starts at
6:00 PM, May 29
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Show starts at
6:00 PM, Jun. 14
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Show starts at,
7:00 PM, June 24
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, Jun. 30
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, Jul. 23
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Show starts at
6:00 PM, Jul. 31
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, Aug. 7
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Show starts
at 7:00 PM,
May 6-8
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Show starts at 7:30 PM, May 17
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Show starts at
8:00 PM,
May 22
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, May 24
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, June 3
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, June 4
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, June 17
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, June 18
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, July 2
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, July 15
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, Aug. 6
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, Aug. 26
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, Sep. 3
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, Sep. 9
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, Sep. 16
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Show starts at
7:00 PM,
Sep. 20
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Sep. 21
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, Sep. 23
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, Sep. 29
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Show starts at
10:00 AM, May 10-12
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Show starts at
2:00 PM, May 15
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Show starts at
6:00 PM, June 16
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Apr. 28
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Show starts at
3:00 PM & 8:00 PM,
Apr. 30
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, May 7
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, May 14
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Show starts at
4:00 PM, May 15
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Show starts at
7:00 PM, May 21
& at 3:00 PM, May 22
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Jun. 1-2
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Show starts at
6:00 PM, Jun. 4
& 3:00 PM, Jun. 5
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Jun. 8
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Jun. 28
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Jul. 2
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Show starts at 7:30 PM, July 5-6
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Show starts at
3:00 PM and 7:30 PM,
April 30
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Events are through May 5.
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Fri/Sat
& 2:00 PM on Sun.
Show runs until May 8
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, May 4
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, May 7
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Fri./Sat.
& 2:00 PM, on Sun.
Show runs from May 13-29
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Show starts at
7:30 PM, Thur. - Sat.
& 3:00 PM on Sun.
Show runs from Jun. 16-26
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, April 29
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, April 30
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Show starts at
4:00 PM, May 1
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, May 6
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Show starts at
8:00 PM, May 7
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226 N. Front St., Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 998-7744
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