The new economic development officer in Essex is inviting small business owners to sit down with him and talk about funding.
Nelson Silvera and other town officials were on the streets of Harrow Tuesday night taking notes about what they liked, and what businesses they figured could use some sprucing up. He was on a similar walk through Essex Centre two weeks ago.
Town of Essex councillors tour through downtown Harrow to review possibilities for the town's Community Improvment Plan. Photo taken October 11, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
He says it's not just about the aesthetics. Silvera says a healthy core means a healthy local economy.
"This is where our small business community thrives," he says. "If business owners take advantage of our community improvement plan to make the outside of their business look a lot better, it's just going to attract more people to the downtown."
The town is offering to pay up to half of the cost of approved projects.
"Whether it's signage, whether it's paint, we are encouraging business owners to just have a sit-down chat with us," Silvera says.
His notes will be included in a report to town council in the next couple of months.
-- With files from Ricardo Veneza.
