Business Resources
Old Takoma Market Analysis Report and Strategic Next Steps
Check out the OTBA Retail Market Analysis Report done in 2009. The Economic Restructuring Committee is planning strategic next steps to implement recommendations from the report.
Buy Local Campaigns
New Survey Shows Power of "Buy Local" Campaigns ~ Special Announcement from the Independent Business Alliance, Jan 14th 2010
Maryland Small Business Development Center
The SBDC has an office in College Park where entrepreneurs can receive comprehensive, resources and relevant assistance.
Revolving Loan Fund
OTBA has established a Revolving Loan fund for local businesses. The program is managed by the Economic Restructuring committee. Application materials are available here. Interested applicants should talk to the committee chair. Call the OTBA office: 240-253-4229.
BeSMART
Takoma Park is one of 15 communities eligible for a $20 million state program about energy conservation and green measures for commercial and residential properties. Information and applications available on-line: http://www.mdhousing.org/Website/Programs/BeSmart/
Facade Improvement Program
Main Street Takoma has a Facade Improvement Program, funded by the State of Maryland through a Neighborhood Business Works grant. The grant will reimburse up to 50 percent of an eligible project. Pre-approval required. Contact Roz Grigsby: 240-253-4229. Application.
In Maryland, the City of Takoma Park has a Facade Improvement Grant for the Main Street Takoma area. Contact Carman Lam: 301-891-7219. Application
Occassionally the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development has a Storefront Improvement Program for Ward 4 businesess. Contact Camille Nixon 202-741-0894.
Design Guidelines from the City of Takoma Park
The city guidelines are available at the city website: Design Guidelines.
Search
Attend a Main Street Committee meeting & help your Main Street!
We have four standing committees:
- Design, which works on the physical appearance of the area;
- Economic Restructuring, which focuses on business retention and recruitment;
- Promotions, which seeks to highlight local businesses to the broader Washington area, as well as create events and activities that bring people to Old Takoma;
- Organization, which provides the structure for the whole organization and the work of the other committees.
All committee meetings are held monthly. Please check the committee page for more info.