Downtown North East Inc. is an all volunteer organization that was formed in 2009 to DRIVE A THRIVING DOWNTOWN.
Since its inception, Downtown North East has acquired and distributed more than $10 Million in ECGRA grants to benefit North East including:
Improvements to downtown buildings, parks and more. Did you know more than $1 MILLION has been awarded to 50+ local businesses for exterior improvements, signs, and more. Because these funds are 50/50 match that means business owners $ are stretching farther.
Promoting our unique downtown, merchants and agricultural way of life. Have you seen our billboards at the Erie SeaWolves, along Interstate 90 and near the Chautauqua Institute encouraging people to visit North East?
Business education events & economic devleopment. To bridge the gap as the The North East Chamber of Commerce transitioned to Enjoy North East, we partnered with their staff to make sure local businesses are still supported. This includes a series of education events, shared marketing, tourism promotion and connections with resources for planning, new business development and more.
Cultural events and public art partnerships. This year Downtown North East coordinated the popular Art Zone sidewalk art project that brings dozens of colorful and interactive pieces of art to Gibson Park and draws people right to the doorstep of downtown businesses. We also commissioned and installed two large signs by North East artist Doug Bailey that welcome people to Freeport Beach and Fisherman Beach and encourage them to take a photo and share on social media.
How can you help?
A $50 gift provides a can of paint to brighten up a sidewalk.
A $100 gift sponsors an educational event to boost our businesses.
A $300 gift provides one month of rent assistance to a new business, ensuring that they get the education and support needed to survive their critical first year in North East.
A $500 gift helps make needed repairs to the aging mural at 17 W. Main St., ensuring that it will be enjoyed for years to come.
A $1,000 gift funds billboards that attract travelers who are driving past the North East exits and don't know about all we have to offer.