Newsletter Volume1 Issue2 Feb 2009

Visit GREATER GRAND CROSSING'S Shopping District
for unique shopping choices:
71st Street, 75th Street from State Street to Cottage Grove,
Cottage Grove from 71st Street to 79th Street

For a list of local businesses and to read the newsletter, click here....

Learn How to Create a Marketing Plan

BENEFITS

• Learn how to market an idea 

• Get hands on experience with a real project

• Gain important business planning knowledge

Create a Marketing Plan
February 24, 2009—April 23, 2009
Tuesday / Thursday 4:00-6:00

Entrepreneurship sessions are currently in progress and all are welcome to attend.

Youth Entrepreneurs Program - Dynamic Teens Wanted!
Read about our Youth Entrepreneurs Program

Click here to apply for the YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM.

The Business and Economic Revitalization Association (BERA) was created in 1991 to help revitalize businesses within the service area of 71^st to 79^th Streets, and State Street to Stony Island Avenue.

The goals of the association are to: 

• develop plans and strategies to bring more of a variety of businesses into the service area; 
• organize business owners to work more effectively with police districts within the service area via the CAPS program;   
• identify owners of abandoned commercial properties;  
• define the necessary infrastructure projects to be completed for economic development; 
• identify city, state and federal resources to assist business development and expansion.

BERA facilitates workshops and seminars, and provides technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses through identifying, developing and accessing resources. 

BERA addresses service area needs through:   

1.     Implementing strategic planning meetings with the commercial and residential community, the Department of Planning and Development, Department of Streets and Sanitation, State Representatives and Senators and other government resources. 

 2.   Expanding marketing/advertising strategies for the commercial area through establishing coalitions with other business associations, local aldermanic offices, U of I Extension, Small Business Development Centers and other local and city-wide agencies.

 3.   Facilitating the 71^st Street Re-Development project; and coordinating the planning for the development of the 87^th and Cottage Grove TIF/SBIF.

 4.   Expanding the area maintenance and beautification program from a 6-week program to an annual program at Grandma’s Garden 73rd and Cottage Grove.

 5.   Identifying trainings for leadership development, capacity building and other training germane to area development.

  BERA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit association, partially funded through the Community Development Block Grant.